VDOT announces the availability of $18 million in community transportation projects, including sidewalks and bike paths.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved $18 million for more than 50 projects that will provide better and safer access for pedestrians and cyclists across the state.

"Transportation is about providing options to keep all of us moving, while benefiting local communities and the environment," said CTB Chairman and Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton. "Funds approved yesterday will support community-based projects that integrate transportation into our towns and cities, such as bike trails and sidewalks, providing better car-free choices."

The money is made available through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), a federally funded program designated to enhance communities through better transportation alternatives.

Notable project funding includes:

Town of Wytheville – Restoration of a historic truss bridge spanning Reed Creek at the southern end of the Town of Wytheville that, along with the abandoned roadbed, will serve as a pedestrian and bicycle route.

Pulaski County – Construction of phase one of a four-phase project in Pulaski County that will extend the 57-mile long New River Trail from its existing northern terminus in the Town of Pulaski to Randolph Park.

Nelson County – Construction phase of the tunnel rehabilitation and trail project in Nelson County. Construction includes the eastern trail, tunnel trail and rehabilitation of the tunnel up to the first bulkhead and eastern trailhead.

City of Richmond – Design and construct segment two of the City of Richmond's portion of the Virginia Capital Trail, a shared-use path from the Great Shiplock Park to the Lehigh Cement property (South Ash Street).

City of Hampton – Shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians along Pine Chapel Road's north side in the City of Hampton.

City of Fredericksburg – The Virginia Central Railway Trail, a ten-foot-wide bicycle/foot trail that connects downtown Fredericksburg with the outlying Idlewild neighborhood providing both recreational opportunities as well as hiking/biking access to downtown activities and the Virginia Railway Express.

City of Charlottesville – Construction of a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks connecting the two sides of the City of Charlottesville's McIntire Park.

Alleghany County – Conversion of the former Chesapeake and Ohio railroad right of way into the Jackson River Trail for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians parallel to the Jackson River from the City of Covington to Hot Springs.

Fairfax County – Continuation of a shared-use asphalt-paved trail in Fairfax County along Gunston Road connecting the Pohick Bay Golf Course and the main entrance to Mason Neck State Park.

For more information about DOT, please visit dot.gov.

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