Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
A portion of the Huckleberry Trail between the Uptown Christiansburg/Mall entrance and Merrimac is now open to the public, effective Mar. 12 after recent construction.
Deputy County Administrator, Christopher Lawrence said replacing the three aging bridges in the county’s portion of the trail was necessary due to overall age and wear.
“While closing a portion of the trail was not a popular choice for anyone involved, we chose to the winter months to do the bridge replacements and infrastructure repairs when the trail traffic is typically lower. Construction continues and we look forward all portions of the Huckleberry Trail reopening as soon as possible,” he said.
This newly reopened section extends the accessible trail from the Uptown Christiansburg /Mall entrance from 1 mile to approximately 1.7 miles and provides access to the restrooms at Merrimac and the Coal Mining Heritage Park.
The estimated cost for this extensive construction and engineering project was $1 million. “The county has been planning for this project. As a result, this project was cash funded with money that has been specifically set aside annually for it rather than borrowing money,” said Lawrence.
In addition, to replacing three bridges located in Montgomery County’s portion of the Huckleberry Trail, it also included new concrete abutments, improved stormwater water pipes and structures, all new steel bridge structures, surface material and new asphalt approaches.
No specific projects along the trail have been identified for the future at this time. “However, like the county, both towns continue to invest and maintain the trails in partnership with the Friends of the Huckleberry Trail,” Lawrence said.
The Huckleberry Trail is one of Montgomery County’s premier recreational attractions for both citizens and visitors alike. The county and both towns partner with the Friends of the Huckleberry to maintain the entire length of the pathway.
