The Alliance, alongside partners, is working to build a new nonprofit, Friends of the Shenandoah Rail Trail, to support the transformation of an unused single-track railroad corridor from Broadway to Front Royal into a multi-use trail reconnecting communities, businesses, schools and cultural and historic resources.
Follow along >> www.shenandoahrailtrail.org
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In 2020 the General Assembly directed state agencies to conduct a feasibility study for the Shenandoah Rail Trail. This study, requested by our Valley legislators, involved a deep dive to assess the need for a multi-use trail, find out the community’s views, and then, quite literally, look at the nuts and bolts of existing corridor infrastructure to see if a trail would fit and be safe. Read more >>
The creation of the Shenandoah Rail Trail Partnership, the 18-member coalition of towns, counties, planning district commissions and several nonprofits who share a vision of a multi-use Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail is in itself a testament to the widespread support for the project.
In addition to that formal partnership, localities, businesses and community groups are confirming their interest in the project by passing resolutions of support. We’ll track those here—adding new resolutions as they come in.
If you’re a part of an organization that would like to show support, please reach out and we’ll help to get you on the list!
Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission
Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission
Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce
Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce
Shenandoah Valley Runners
Shenandoah Valley Partnership
Shenandoah Valley Tourism Partnership
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Up and down the route, the trail connects students to school, employees to work, customers to shops, diners to restaurants, and community members to parks, rivers and historic sites.
In the Valley, we are surrounded by opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but many of the trails and paths are remote, and, by the nature of the terrain, suited for advanced trail users. Our rail trail is flat, primarily rural and scenic, and easily accessed from many towns and neighborhoods. It will be a safe and easy way to get outside and walk, run or roll with family members of all ages and abilities.
The addition of a rail trial to our first-rate local amenities will attract companies that seek to locate in a place that offers a high quality of life to the folks they employ. This means the potential for new job opportunities across many sectors. And, visitors to the trail will provide economic opportunities for entrepreneurship and for communities to enjoy thriving local business in the town.
What was then called Manassas Gap Railroad began construction in 1851 in Manassas. It entered the Shenandoah Valley through Manassas Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains and reached the town Mount Jackson in 1859. During the Civil War, construction was halted, and much of the rail was destroyed. After the war, construction began anew and the line reached Harrisonburg in 1868 where it is still used by Norfolk Southern south of Broadway. Due to decreased interest in freight service along the corridor, the track between Broadway and Front Royal is no longer in use. Freight service on the corridor has been discontinued in sections beginning in 1989.
It’s time to talk about how we build the best Shenandoah Rail Trail for our region—attend a community meeting near you!
It is commonplace for specialized law firms to try to organize landowners when it becomes public that a rail owner is considering abandoning a rail corridor.
After the long-awaited approval of the state budget, we are excited to announce there is over $90 million set aside for trails.
Tell your legislators you support the state investment in multi-use trails, like the Shenandoah Rail Trail.
Shenandoah Rail Trail Exploratory Partnership members signed and delivered a letter asking for help to secure funds for a multi-use from Broadway to Front Royal.
A study conducted by state agencies found that a Shenandoah Rail Trail IS feasible and also that there is overwhelming support for the concept.
Today Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced funding for multi-use trails that will make the vision of a Shenandoah Rail Trail connecting the towns from Broadway to Front Royal a step closer to reality.
In addition to all the expected community benefits the trail will offer, Shenandoah Valley communities also stand to benefit economically.
It was exciting to hear that most of the feedback from the stakeholder meetings and the online survey was very supportive of the project.
It’s time to share your views! State agencies are seeking public input on the concept of a Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail.
© 2023 · Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley
