The vision for the Three Notched Trail to connect Charlottesville to the Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel should begin to take shape over the next two years thanks to grant funding for the planning.
The planning effort is funded by a $2 million RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant, a federal program that supports surface transportation infrastructure projects.
This week, Albemarle County announced it has hired a consulting firm to lead the master planning process for the shared-use path that will connect the western edge of Charlottesville to Ivy, Crozet and the tunnel. Users should also be able to connect to the University of Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.
The county selected Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. to lead the 22-month planning effort.
VHB’s work will focus on determining the preferred trail alignment, prioritizing key segments and developing a functional design and implementation plan. The planning process will include opportunities for community input through public meetings, an online survey and pop-up events.
The multi-use path will be separated from vehicular traffic and will follow portions of the historic Three Notched Road.
Once the master plan is completed, additional funding will be needed for further planning, right-of-way acquisition and construction.
“This path will connect residents and visitors to education, employment and recreational opportunities in western Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville and Nelson County,” said Jessica Hersh-Ballering, Albemarle County principal planner. “Ultimately, the shared-use path will improve safety and accessibility, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic activity in the region.”
The City of Waynesboro is working on a similar plan on the other side of the mountain looking to connect its Sunset Park on East Main Street to the tunnel. Waynesboro is working with Rinker Design Associates on the design for its Rockfish Gateway Trail project.
Both paths will provide connections to the Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail.
Related stories
- Waynesboro: $15M trail project aims to connect Sunset Park to Crozet tunnel, SNP, AT
- Waynesboro seeks grant to construct trail from Blue Ridge Tunnel to downtown
- Waynesboro: Three miles of additional trails to be built at Sunset Park in 2025
- Waynesboro embraces connection to outdoors; prepares to open Sunset Park to the public
- Nelson County announces opening of Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
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Crystal Graham
