North & South Broadlands trails finally connected

A section of asphalt trail has been laid from the SW corner of Claiborne and Waxpool to the Stone House parking entrance on Waxpool. Previously, there were no continuous system of trails that connected North Broadlands with Southern Walk WITHOUT crossing Waxpool Road. Although their has been a trail tunnel connecting the Community Center to the Stone House for years, no trails or sidewalks continued to Southern Walk system of trails. You'd have to ride/run/walk on Southside Waxpool or adjacent grass. Now trail on Westside of Claiborne connects to new South Waxpool trail to Tunnel at Stone House to trails north to Broadlands Blvd. Without crossing any major arterials.

 

FINALLY

Now it would be nice if they completed the sidewalk that goes between the schools and waxpool. Right now you can go under waxpool to get to the stone house but in order to get to the schools you have to walk either on the grass or on the road.

 

This is a very helpful trail connection. The only thing worse than going through a 4-way stop in Virginia is trying to go through a 4-way stop in Virginia on a bicycle. Talk about people being confused!

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I'm glad to see that these trails are being completed. The original plans for Broadlands did not have these trails. I began working on TerraBrook several years ago to get them built. I appreciate that Van Metre followed through on Terrabrook's agreement with me.
Hopefully, there may be more to come. I was in the beginning discussions with Terrabrook to build a bridge across the stream between Hillside Park and Eagle Ridge. This would allow kids to walk from Broadlands to Eagle Ridge by using the underpass and then crossing the bridge. I haven't pushed this one yet with Van Metre.

Van Metre will be building 5 homes along Waxpool Road (between the Vet clinic and the intersection with Truro Parish.) I asked Van Metre to include a sidewalk along these homes, which they agreed to. This will allow kids to walk along that stretch of Waxpool on a sidewalk, but they will still have to cross Waxpool to reach the school sidewalk.

 

Are there any irons in the fire for putting a complete paths on both sides of Claiborne? For those of us who live in SW - Courtyard, to stay on a path we currently have to cross over Claiborne twice if we wish to walk to the shopping center.

 

Not in the HOA budget ... and I don't think the developer has any plans either.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I doubt it. There isn't a path on both sides of Claiborne north of Waxpool, either. Since there is an underpass that takes you to the other side, it probably wasn't deemed necessary.

 

Adding a small bridge and a bit of asphalt to gain a connection from the Stone House area to the middle school/elementary school area would be great.

It is a shame that we have a nice system of trails, but the middle schoolers are forced to take the bus because of the lack of this connection. Further, getting kids out to walk or bike to school encourages the exercise needed for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Cliff, anything you can do to encourage this connection is much appreciated.

-Jim

 

make a dirt path ... I loved playing at the creek when I was a kid! Give the kids a little adventure on their way to school 8)