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Saltville plans Salt Trail steering committee after grant extension; VDOT closes road under Clinchburg trestle for safety
Summary
Amanda Livingston reported a grant extension and steering‑committee plan for the Salt Trail; later the town manager said VDOT closed the road beneath the Clinchburg trestle as conditions were judged unsafe and the town will seek grant funding for repairs or removal.
The Saltville Town Council on Aug. 12 received an update on the Salt Trail and was told that state transportation officials have closed the roadway beneath the Clinchburg trestle because of safety concerns.
Amanda Livingston told the council that consultants remain engaged on the Salt Trail project, that she is assembling a steering committee (she suggested the town Recreation Committee plus two participants from Glade Spring) and that the Virginia Outdoors Foundation had granted an extension on a previously applied grant for $90,000. Livingston said the town needs to complete several steps — a survey, title insurance naming the Virginia Outdoors Foundation as co‑insured and a deed of dedication to green space — to trigger reimbursement and allow upfront fund release once the deed is in place.
Later in the meeting Town Manager Cecile Rosenbaum told the council she had received photos from VDOT showing deteriorating conditions under the Clinchburg trestle and that Washington County emergency services judged the area below the trestle unsafe for emergency vehicles. "VDOT has taken action and closed the road," Rosenbaum said, and staff secured the area with chains to discourage access. She said removing the trestle would be expensive and that the town will work with Livingston to explore grant options.
Why it matters: The Salt Trail project is intended to expand local recreation and connectivity. A trestle declared unsafe affects trail routing and could impose substantial removal or repair costs; a state grant extension gives the town an opening to pursue completion steps while it studies the trestle problem.
The council voted to amend the meeting agenda that evening to add the Salt Trail development item and discussed forming the steering committee and schedule for fall and winter meetings. Rosenbaum said she would coordinate with Livingston on grant opportunities and legal steps required to dedicate land as green space.
Next steps: Livingston will continue consultant coordination and form the steering committee; Rosenbaum will pursue grant sources and provide council updates on options for the Clinchburg trestle. The council did not vote on funds specifically for trestle work during the Aug. 12 meeting.
