Shenandoah Rail Trail

Our conversation today gave lots of background and details for the Shenandoah Rail Trail. Cari Orebaugh, Asst Town Manager for the town of Broadway, and Kyle Lawrence, Executive Director for the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition joined me to explain the magnitude and benefits of the project. Cari told us about the plans Broadway is making to incorporate the trail which includes adding parking and other amenities. We talked about the health benefits as well as the economic and community benefits the trail will bring to the communities it serves. The Shenandoah Rail Trail Partnership is an unincorporated coalition of public, private, and non-profit organizations along the proposed Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail that have come together with the vision of transforming an unused single-track railroad corridor from Broadway to Front Royal into a multi-use almost 50-mile trail re-connecting communities, businesses, schools, and many local cultural and historic resources. The Shenandoah Rail Trail Exploratory Partnership Governance Council has representation from all the towns and counties along the route, in addition to the two regional Planning District Commissions and four regional nonprofits. It's a large group, but this makeup ensures each community is represented and that considerations for each locality will be taken into account as the vision for the trail unfolds. Cari also told us about the community input meetings that will be held in each of the localities from February through April. View dates, times and locations here. Each meeting will give a history and status of the project, why a trail is the best option for this corridor to once again serve the communities along its route, and the possibilities a trail brings. At the meeting, there will be an opportunity for input so this trail is designed first and foremost with local community members in mind. Presenters will showcase maps, photos, and examples from other trails, and representatives from the towns and Shenandoah Rail Trail will be available to address questions and provide local context. Learn more about the Shenandoah Rail Trail here: ShenandoahRailTrail.org