Western Branch Chesapeake Trail

Construction Complete (Phase 1)

This is a VDOT-funded project. Phase 1 of the proposed 10-foot multi-use path is from the Portsmouth-Chesapeake City line to Dordon Street. The path is located on the abandoned railway. VDOT has approved $170,000, matching City funding. Phase 1 trail paving is complete, and delivery of benches and amenities is forthcoming.

Future Phases

Future phases of the project are currently funded, and the City's long-term goal is to extend the trail to connect to the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail. 

Phase 2 of the Western Branch Trail will complete the paved trail section from Dordon Street to Taylor Road. This project is set to begin construction in Late Summer 2023. 

Phase 3 of the project (connecting Phase 2 to Suffolk trail) is currently fully funded with a mix of local, Transportation Alternatives, and SmartScale funding. Design work for this project with a project consultant will begin in July 2023 and design completion is expected in Spring 2024. The design and right-of-way acquisition for this project is funded with awarded Transportation Alternatives funding. The construction for this project is funded with awarded SmartScale funding, and the City is coordinating with VDOT on the timing of this funding.

More information on future phases of the trail will be posted as it becomes available.

Construction Start (Phase 1): May 2021

Construction Completion (Phase 1): February 2022

Project Budget: $850,000