Modifications, repairs, inspections in the works

By Diana McFarland

Managing editor

Residents eager to use the recently completed portion of the Nike Park bike and pedestrian trail may have to wait a bit longer. 

While the portion along Battery Park Road appears finished, the contractor is making needed repairs and making corrections, according to Isle of Wight County Transportation Manager Jamie Oliver. {mprestriction ids=”1,2,3,4,5,6″}

As each correction and repair is made, it must be inspected jointly by local, state and federal officials, said Oliver, adding that the holidays simply complicated that scheduling. 

“We (Isle of Wight County officials) are hopeful that an official opening and ribbon cutting will occur in February, but we’ll provide public notice when it’s actually scheduled,” said Oliver. 

Meanwhile, the holidays interrupted work on the portion of the trail, also known as the Park-to-Park trail, that runs along Nike Park Road, but that work has resumed, said Oliver.

Oliver said that the bridge construction over Jones Creek will not result in extended road closures along Nike Park Road. 

There will be some sporatic, temporary lane closures to move supplies, likely this summer, said Oliver.

Lane closures are not expected to extend beyond the normal 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. workday, said Oliver. 

“Any closures that extended beyond those hours would require pre-authorization from the county and VDOT and would be publicized via normal social media outlets,” said Oliver. 

The bridge is to be built alongside the existing vehicular bridge. 

Once completed, the trail will allow for bike and pedestrian access from the intersection of S. Church Street and Battery Park Road in Smithfield to Nike Park in Carrollton. 

The portion of the trail that would connect it to Windsor Castle Park is under the purview of the Town of Smithfield. The Smithfield Town Council has not made a decision yet on how it wants to proceed with the project.  {/mprestriction}