Roanoke County announces the start of construction on an approximate 0.60-mile section of the West Roanoke River Greenway (VDOT UPC No. 97171) proposed along the Roanoke River in the vicinity of West Riverside Drive and Kingsmill Drive. Development of the greenway is a joint project with the City of Salem that is being locally administered by Roanoke County with oversight from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). This project is financed by federal and state funds from the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Open Container, Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP), and SMART SCALE Program.
Running on the south side of the Roanoke River, Phase 1 will provide connectivity to an existing section of greenway located along West Riverside Drive west of Mill Lane in the City of Salem. The project will include a 10-foot-wide asphalt greenway, a 26-space trailhead parking lot, a crosswalk across West Riverside Drive, Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls, and associated appurtenances including signs, fencing, and drainage improvements.
Contractor mobilization and tree clearing activities are anticipated to begin in mid-November 2023. Construction is anticipated to be complete by March 2025. Roanoke County advises of potential traffic delays along West Riverside Drive. During construction, two lanes of traffic will be maintained along West Riverside Drive; however, periodic closures may be required. Work will be scheduled to avoid peak travel hours. Roanoke County has awarded the construction contract to Burleigh Construction Company, Inc., and construction management is being provided by McDonough Bolyard Peck (MBP). The design engineer for the project is Hurt & Proffitt, Inc. with subconsultants including Mattern & Craig who designed the retaining walls.
“Beginning construction of Phase 1 of the West Roanoke River Greenway demonstrates the strength of local partnerships and continued progress in fulfilling regional goals outlined in the Roanoke Valley Greenway Plan,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Martha Hooker. “This section of the greenway will expand recreation and alternative transportation opportunities for citizens in Roanoke County and the City of Salem and extend connectivity to the greater Roanoke Valley greenway network.”
For more information about the project, please visit www.RoanokeCountyVA.gov/WRRGPhase1 or contact Lindsay Webb, Parks Planning and Development Manager, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at (540) 777-6328.