Connecting the historic communities of Williamsburg and Richmond, Virginia, USA, the Virginia Capital Trail project is a seven-phase joint venture by Williamsburg-based contractor Henderson Inc and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
The project started in July 2012 with the design of the 10.5 mile long New Market Heights section, due to open in early 2014. The Virginia Capital Trail includes four 14 foot wide timber bridges, which will enhance access to historic destinations such as the 400-year-old Shirley Plantation—Virginia’s oldest plantation and North America’s oldest family owned business, and portions of the Richmond National Battlefield Park such as the site of the Battle of Malvern Hill.
The Varina phase of the project was started in February 2013 and is expected to be completed in summer 2014. Located in Henrico County, the 7.5 mile long section includes three 14 foot wide timber bridges and a steel girder bridge. Upon completion, the Varina phase will also connect the Rocketts Landing development in Richmond to Long Bridge Road in Varina, providing hikers and cyclists easy access to historic sites such as Varina Farm.
Taking care of the environmental impacts, the trail’s bridges will be constructed using a process that helps to avoid damage to wetlands and waterways. Construction begins from the ends of the bridge and is built toward the middle, setting the piles from above to construct each section of the span.
