Pathway connecting Broadlands and Ashburn Farm?

Cliff, do you know of any updates to the plan for the pathway between Broadlands and Ashburn Farm? I haven't noticed any grading or preparation, so I'm concerned that it might be delayed again. Is there anything that we can do to keep them moving along? I've been waiting on this for years. I use the pedestrian route each weekend and it's just not the safest.

Also, I can't find my old post, but earlier this year while Clydes was under construction I had noticed that part of the path on the north side of B'lands Blvd starting just east of Clydes had been removed and replaced with grass. Did you ever hear why this had been done, and is there any plan to put it back? I prefer the asphalt pathways to the sidewalks on the other side of the street and was hoping that it was just a temporary elimination.

Thanks!

 

The Board of Supervisors recently approved the funds to get VDOT to build the path connection b/t Broadlands and the Farm. I believe VDOT should be working on it in the Spring.

 

dcdavis,

Can you find out the date that the funds were approved? At one point, we thought it had been approved many many months ago? It appears as if no one is driving this boat. Inquiries result in little information, and inaccurate assumptions.

Thanks for the help!

 

I'll check with Van Metre about the removal of the sidewalk by Clyde's.

 

Hello, folks. Does anyone have a clue as to the official status of a sidewalk to connect Broadlands and Ashburn Farm? Curious residents (e.g., myself) would like to know what it will take to finally link these two great communities by a simple pedestrian walkway. Either concrete or asphalt is perfectly fine... I'm not picky. I just want to know in which decade the construction will occur. In the meantime, I'll continue to dodge the rocks, weeds, and sun-faded Coors Light cartons. Thanks!

 

Great question I was wondering the same on a morning run this week as I was getting buzzed by cars.

The existing dirt path is an answer - if you want a twisted ankle.

-Jim

 

Exactly! I run this route, too, and I'm always worried that I'm gonna catch a rock, twist an ankle, and go flying headlong into an oncoming UPS truck. That this thread goes back to September 2004 is a clear sign that this project just cannot seem to get off the ground. Given the sordid past with this initiative (that term being an oxymoron in this case), I wonder who is in a position to provide an authoritative and definitive response.

 

Hi folks-
Here's the latest I received:


----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Charles Yudd <Charles.Yudd@loudoun.gov>
To: gmaravetz@yahoo.com
Cc: rfdupree@aol.com; Charles Acker <Charles.Acker@loudoun.gov>; Michael Hengemuhle <Michael.Hengemuhle@loudoun.gov>; Terrie Laycock <Terrie.Laycock@loudoun.gov>
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2007 10:54:35 AM
Subject: Trail Issue


Glenn: I know you have been looking for a status report on the trail
issues, I have spoken to Chuck Acker and I am attempting to summarize
the issues to let you know where things stand.

The solution that was reached several months ago, regarding an easement
vs. dedication of land led to the need for an easement document and plat
to be created. Chuck has worked with VDOT extensively on the actual
format of the easement document and the language which will allow for
the trail to be constructed on the property. A plat is also needed that
depicts the easement location, and this is currently being prepared by
the Timmons Engineering firm. At this point we think that we will be
able to have VDOT sign off on the easment in the next couple of weeks.

After the easement is approved, we will need to work with VDOT to get
an updated cost figure on the project. The actual timeframe for start
of construction is up to VDOT.

I am sure you will have more questions, but this is a snapshot of where
we are right now on this effort. Hope that helps.

Charles
703-777-0248

 

Which decade is a good question? This project goes back 8 years.

I am confident things are moving forward. It's being tracked at each milestone. Hopefully we'll see construction starting sometime this summer. It will be up to the VDOT schedule once all the paperwork is in place.

 

So ...to prevent the roaming gangs from Asburn Farm...I pupose a toll!

What an originial idea! First...I have to incorporate in a far off land...let's say Australia.
Yeah...that's the ticket. Then, I'll charge the people...hmmm...how much...I got it! Way more than any value proposition would justify

...and then...I'm make it so hard for anyone to use the road and better yet...:naanaa: I'll use their tax dollars to police the road! EUREKA! What a great idea!

uh...just realized...I think I just described the Dulles Greenway

 

I'm just trying to keep this thread (and hope) alive. Anyone have any updates? Did the engineering firm actually complete the plat work? Is this on VDOT's radar screen?

 

The latest I have is that on June 1 the Deed of Easement and Plat of Perpetual Easement for the Ashburn Farm section have been sent to VDOT legal counsel for review. It will be reviewed by VDOT for any comments or changes.
Don't know how long the "review" process will take. Then it will have to be bid out and constructed. My guess is next year at best.

 

Thanks, Cliff, for the detailed response and for setting our expectations. We'll keep our fingers crossed that this doesn't get moved to the back burner.

 

"as soon as August" of 2008? 2012?

http://loudounextra.washingtonpost....07/jul/18/trail-link-ashburn-farm-broadlands/

 

I believe Tom Whiting is somewhat optimistic on his time frame. I do think we could see a path by the end of the year.

The BOT approved the funding at a recent board meeting, and it is now in the hands of VDOT for bid and scheduling.

By the way, Steve Snow has had nothing to do with this walkway. He's been totally out of the picture on this one. I am surprised his office even knew about it to answer the question.

One other correction. Larry Beerman did start the effort to build this walkway. He started it during his term as District Supervisor, not as planning commissioner. He's still lending a hand to get this through the system.

Recently the log jam on getting this built was broken by Robert Dupree. Kudos to Mr. Dupree for his guidance and proactive efforts.

 

My thanks go to any and all involved in this effort. I look forward to (eventually) seeing it complete.

 

I will be glad when it happens...sweat from my brow

 

VDOT is working on this now! Just drove by and did a double take. Yippee!

 

WOOT!

Maybe I'll go back to riding to the W&OD instead of loading the bike on the car.

 

Just having the compacted gravel down under the toll road is a great improvement. Once it is paved it will be even better.

Will the section from the westbound entrance ramp to the Ashburn Farm path be paved too?

-Jim