ALL ABOARD! GROUNDBREAKING HELD AS CONSTRUCTION ROLLS FORWARD ON EASTERN SHORE RAIL TO TRAIL PROJECTS
First two segments of the shared-use trail underway in Cape Charles and Cheriton
Ceremony special guests, including representatives from the VDOT Hampton Roads District, Accomack-Northampton Planning District Committee, Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation, Canonie Atlantic Company, Branscome Inc., and local elected officials, gather to break ground at the site of the first future trailhead at the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail in Cape Charles on May 22.
EASTERN SHORE – With shovels in hand and a strong sense of Eastern Shore pride, local leaders and community members gathered on Thursday afternoon, May 22, to mark the official groundbreaking of the highly anticipated Eastern Shore Rail to Trail—a transformative 49.1-mile shared-use path stretching from Cape Charles to Hallwood.
Hosted by the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation, with support from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the event occurred near the future trailhead and starting point of the first trail segment, near Mason Avenue and Fig Street in Cape Charles. Guest speakers celebrated the project’s potential to connect communities, businesses and parks; enhance tourism and economic growth; and preserve a vital corridor in a new way—one that invites walkers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the beauty and serenity of the Eastern Shore like never before.
While the ceremony celebrated a significant milestone for the overall trail, contractor Branscome, Inc., officially began construction in April on a $3.9 million project to deliver the trail’s first two segments in Northampton County: a 2.17-mile stretch through Cape Charles and a 1.4-mile extension into Cheriton. Together, these initial segments, estimated to be complete in fall 2026, will form the first 3.57-mile foundation for what will eventually become the entire 49.1-mile paved path along the former Bay Coast Railroad corridor.
"This project is about more than just paving a path–it's a continuation of the railroad. We've pulled up the ties and tracks, but we're putting the trail in place to serve a new purpose–to connect people and places," said Ron Wolff, Executive Director of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation.
The rail corridor, which was railbanked for future transportation use, runs largely parallel to Route 13, a VDOT-designated Corridor of Statewide Significance, and offers a safer, dedicated facility for pedestrians and cyclists. The shared-use path will improve mobility, accessibility and safety for all users, particularly those more vulnerable on roadways.
At the groundbreaking, Chris Hall, VDOT Hampton Roads District Engineer, highlighted the partnerships that helped get the project underway, including support from the various state and federal agencies, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, the Canonie Atlantic Company, Accomack and Northampton counties, the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation, and stakeholders.
“What we’re celebrating today is more than the start of construction—it’s the result of strong partnerships, thoughtful planning, and a shared vision for safer, more connected communities,” said Hall. “Thanks to the dedication of our local, regional, and state partners, we stand here today with 36 miles of the overall 49-mile trail now fully funded—bringing us one step closer to delivering a transformative asset for the Eastern Shore.”
Project Highlights: Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Cape Charles, Cheriton Segments The $3.9 million construction contract was awarded to Branscome, Inc., who began construction on the first two segments in April 2025, which include:
• Cape Charles Segment The 2.17-mile segment begins at the intersection of Fig Street and Mason Avenue in Cape Charles and will extend to the shopping center near Route 13 (Lankford Highway) and Country Place. Construction also includes the addition of a trailhead parking lot at Mason Avenue and Fig Street.
• Cheriton Segment This 1.4-mile segment continues northward from Route 13 (Lankford Highway) and Country Place to Route 639 (Sunnyside Road) in Cheriton. A new trailhead parking lot will be constructed just north of Country Place. Improvements also include the addition of 0.5 mile of striped bicycle lanes along Sunnyside Road, extending from the shared-use path to Business Route 13 (South Bayside Road).
For more information on the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Cape Charles and Cheriton Segments Project, visit https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/hampton-roads-district/eastern-shore-rail-to-trail-project---cape-charles-and-cheriton-segments/.
About the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail
The Eastern Shore Rail to Trail is a planned 49.1-mile shared-use path that will transform the former Bay Coast Railroad corridor into a paved trail for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized users. Stretching from Cape Charles in Northampton County to Hallwood in Accomack County, the trail runs largely parallel to Route 13, a Corridor of Statewide Significance, and is designed to improve safety, connectivity and mobility across Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
The trail is being developed in segments by both VDOT and the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (ANPDC), with funding from state, federal and local sources, including SMART SCALE and a federal RAISE grant. Nearly 36 miles of the overall 49.1-mile trail corridor are anticipated to be fully funded following the Commonwealth Transportation Board's approval of the FY26-31 Six Year Improvement Program in June. Construction is underway on the initial segments in Cape Charles and Cheriton. Additional segments are advancing through design and development. Once complete, the trail will serve as a recreational and economic asset, connecting towns, parks, and local destinations across the region.