Eagle Ridge bridge

Something that I have been persuing for a number of years may finally happen.
Some background: When Eagle Ridge was built, a lot of residents expressed displeasure in the fact that there was no safe way for kids to walk to the school.
I have noticed that a lot of kids find places to jump over the creek near the Waxpool tunnel by Hillside Park.
I have been working with Robert DuPree (Dulles District School Board member) about seeing if we can get a footbridge installed crossing the creek.
I received word that the School Administration is moving forward with getting a bridge put up.
Due to the legalities (the creek is a wetlands area and requires approval/coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers) it may be a while, but at least it is finally moving forward.

 

Cliff-

Thanks for working on this.

It brings to mind a program I heard about that enables the states to tap into a pot of federal money for these types of projects. It is called "Safe Routes to Schools". It is adminstered by VDOT. I have a series of emails on it at home. I can forward them and the name of the VDOT contact to you, if you would like.

-Jim

 

I think this is a great idea. I often run through that tunnel and have contemplated jumping through those woods, but never actually have out of fear of getting ticks and messing up the landscaping (plus wet shoes). I was wondering the other day why they didn't have a bridge there for the very reason you mentioned above (children walking to school)

 

VDOT is not ivolved. This is between the HOA and the School Administration. The cost will come out of their budget (It's big enough that they can afford this!)

 

Well if it involves the Corps of Engineers, prepare to wait a very, very long time.

 

Cliff,

Couldn't that be an Eagle Scout project for someone here in Broadlands?

 

There's a lot that's involved to getting this done.......bridging a Federal wetlands area, connecting public property (school side) to HOA prperty (our side), legal issues, etc.
If this was a simple bridge over a stream on wholly owned HOA property, then it might be possible, but not in this case.
I'm meeting with the School Admin and Van Metre next week to review where we're at and what needs to be done.
As mentioned, dealing with the Army Corps will be the slowest part of the process.

 

Sounds like the trail under the Greenway!!

But I should say, I think this is a great idea and will definitely help with the connectivity of the trails/amenities. These kind of "additions" to our trail system are important to making all the neighborhoods easily accessible.

 

My wife discovered last week that a new footbridge exists. I'm not sure when it opened, but it appears to have been a recent thing. It's only about 10 years too late for my kids.

 

And it was done as an Eagle Scout project! I now know the secret weapon when dealing with wetlands and the Army Corp of engineers......

 

Thanks for reporting this. And thanks to the scout who worked on it.