Modesto’s Virginia Corridor Trailway Expansion Underway

Construction progresses on the Virginia Corridor Trailway, featuring new amenities and a pedestrian bridge.

News Summary

The Virginia Corridor Trailway in Modesto is set to expand with construction for Phase Seven starting in summer 2023. The project will extend the trail by half a mile, introducing a new pedestrian bridge and enhancing outdoor amenities for residents. Funded primarily through state grants, this $7.1 million project aims to improve accessibility and promote active lifestyles, featuring fitness stations and community engagement in design choices. The construction is scheduled to conclude with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in fall 2025.

Modesto’s Virginia Corridor Trailway Set for Exciting Expansion

Modesto is making significant strides towards the next phase of the highly anticipated Virginia Corridor Trailway after facing delays largely attributed to the pandemic. The upcoming Phase Seven of the project is scheduled to begin construction in the summer of 2023, marking a new milestone in enhancing the city’s outdoor amenities.

Trail Extension Overview

Phase Seven aims to extend the trail approximately half a mile from its current terminus at Woodrow Avenue, introducing a pedestrian bridge that will cross over Standiford Avenue. This extension will not only improve accessibility but will also further elevate the recreational offerings situated in the area.

The existing trail currently spans nearly 3 miles, tracing a scenic route from Campus Way near Ninth Street to Woodward Avenue. The trail runs along the historic route of the former Tidewater Southern branch of the Union Pacific Railroad. The projected cost for this ambitious expansion to West Union Avenue is estimated at $7.1 million, with funding sourced from state grants and other designated financial resources.

Connecting Opportunities

In an exciting development, Modesto is also in discussions with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to facilitate a connection between Phase Seven and the Hetch Hetchy Trail. This trail, located roughly a quarter mile north of Union Avenue, runs parallel to the commission’s Hetch Hetchy right of way, which is bordered by high-voltage power lines and an underground water pipeline.

The project was strategically divided into two parts to accommodate these ongoing negotiations. Originally slated for a 2020 construction start, the trail’s expansion has faced multiple delays, with the pandemic exacerbating the situation. To address these complications, the City Council’s Safety & Communities Commission has recommended an additional allocation of $70,000 to revise plans regarding the split of Phase Seven into two parts.

Design Choices and Community Involvement

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of the project’s development, particularly concerning the pedestrian bridge design. During a prior community meeting, residents opted for a design emphasizing railroad-themed aesthetics that resonate with the corridor’s character. However, three council members on the committee have voiced their preference for a more modern and artistic appearance. Although significant alterations to the design at this stage may complicate timelines and increase costs, community engagement remains a critical component of the project.

Timeline and Amenities

The city aims to secure construction bids in spring 2023, award a contract thereafter, and break ground by summer 2023. The completion of this phase is celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony expected in fall 2025. Notably, the project will also feature landscaping, tree planting, picnic areas, benches, and lighting along the trail, making it an inviting space for residents and visitors alike.

Fitness Stations: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

In an effort to promote overall fitness, six new fitness stations have been installed along the trail, a generous initiative funded by the ShadowChase Running Club. This group raised approximately $53,000 through membership fees and marathon proceeds to bring these stations to life. Users of the trail now have the opportunity to engage in fitness routines that include step-ups, parallel bars, body curls, and other exercises. Each station is equipped with informative plaques outlining usage instructions and detailing the specific muscle groups targeted by the equipment, ensuring a safe and effective fitness experience.

Looking Ahead

The Virginia Corridor Trailway project originally commenced in 2006, starting with its inaugural phase that opened a quarter-mile stretch between Orangeburg and Roseburg Avenues. As it nears the completion of its seventh phase, the ultimate vision extends to Bangs Avenue and incorporates an additional bridge crossing Pelandale Avenue, although timelines for this final phase remain undetermined.

Modesto’s commitment to enhancing its community through the Virginia Corridor Trailway reflects a broader vision for accessibility, wellness, and outdoor engagement. As construction progresses, enthusiasts and community members alike eagerly anticipate a beautifully revitalized space that celebrates both nature and fitness.