RICHMOND — The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved an agreement between the Virginia Department of Transportation and HHHunt Inc. in its Nov. 16 meeting that will result in the construction of 6.7 miles of the Virginia Capital Trail in eastern Henrico County. HHHunt, the developer of the Wilton on the James planned community will construct the trail in exchange for direct access to the Pocahontas Parkway (Route 895).

“This is a significant step forward for the Virginia Capital Trail,” said Pierce R. Homer, Secretary of Transportation. “Through this partnership, the private sector will construct an entire phase of the trail. It will provide enhanced access to the river and increase the overall quality of the entire facility.”

The Virginia Capital Trail is a 54-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail linking Richmond, Jamestown and Williamsburg, beginning at the Canal Walk in downtown Richmond and continuing along the James River to Route 5. The first eight miles of the trail are under construction with another 23 miles under development. Gov. Kaine will open the first complete section of the trail at a ceremony in James City County on Nov. 21.

“It is important that new communities in Varina provide residents with the highest quality of life and world-class public amenities,” said Henrico Supervisor James B. “Jim” Donati, Jr. “This partnership will bring the trail off of Route 5 and onto an improved alignment that will provide public access to the river. It sets an example for future development in this area.”

The agreement results in the construction of the first phase of a new alignment for the trail, bringing it to the banks of the James River much earlier than previously planned. The 6.7-mile “Randolph Landing” phase will begin at the intersection of Route 5 and the planned Wilton Parkway and will continue to a new county park on the river. Crossing through the park and past a planned history center at Randolph Landing, the trail will continue to the northwest edge of the Wilton property.

From the boundary of the Wilton property, additional phases of the trail will be constructed in the future along the alignment of a planned future parkway running parallel to Route 5 and connecting eastern Henrico with downtown Richmond.

“HHHunt places high priority on good planning practices and the creation of meaningful pedestrian and trail facilities,” said Daniel T. Schmitt, president of HHHunt Communities. “The Virginia Capital Trail will be a tremendous asset for residents of Wilton and this entire region, and we are excited to see this vision fulfilled.”

“The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation was pleased to play an important role in bringing this agreement together,” said foundation Chairman James A. “Jay” Paul, III. “This type of public-private partnership is a win-win arrangement that will accelerate the completion of the entire trail.”

According to CTB policy, property owners are required to compensate VDOT for any additional value that results from new limited-access breaks. Under the agreement approved by the CTB, HHHunt will construct the trail in lieu of making a cash payment. Construction of the 6.7-mile phase is estimated to cost approximately $3.5 million, an amount well in excess of the $1.4 million compensation that would otherwise be required for the access break on Route 895 requested by HHHunt. The agreement is also subject to Henrico County’s approval of a revised comprehensive plan for the eastern part of the county that includes the new trail alignment. Subject to this approval, the new phase will be constructed by the end of 2008.

To see a map of the Virginia Capital Trail, click here.

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Page last modified: Nov. 16, 2006