VDOT begins cleanup of Craig Valley railbed; residents split over trail plans

Board members and residents discussed recent VDOT activity along the Craig Valley railbed, where state crews have begun clearing and stabilizing neglected sections to support future trail design and limit further degradation.

Resident and speaker Woody Lipps described extensive historic neglect of parts of the grade—overgrown ditches, downed trees and accumulated trash including household waste and animal carcasses—and said VDOT’s use of contractors to clear and stabilize the bed is intended to preserve state assets and facilitate survey and design work. Lipps said some residents appreciate the cleanup while others view it as premature and worry VDOT is "building the trail without a plan." He provided a planning timeline that lists a draft environmental document and public hearing planned for September–December 2024 and final design for September–December 2025; early management-plan talks between Craig and Botetourt counties have begun to assign roles and costs.

Board member Jordan Labiosa raised constituent concerns that residents had not been notified before construction activity started on VDOT property; VDOT contact was directed to its call center for complaints and follow-up. The board did not take formal action on the railbed at this meeting, but the discussion establishes a public planning schedule and early interjurisdictional coordination.

VDOT maintenance work described at the meeting included grading, ditch and shoulder repairs on multiple county routes and targeted cleanup of the railbed grade to reduce further degradation ahead of trail planning.