PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A federal research geared toward closing main gaps within the Potomac Heritage Nationwide Scenic Path (PHNST) is nearing completion, marking a major step ahead in Prince William County’s long-term effort to increase its path community and join communities.
The $375,000 research, funded by the Federal Lands Entry Program (FLAP), identifies most well-liked alignments to shut three key gaps within the path:
- Hole 1: From the City of Occoquan to Belmont Bay, constrained by an already-built city atmosphere and the necessity to cross I-95, Route 1, and CSX rail traces.
- Hole 2: From the City of Dumfries to Prince William Forest Park, requiring coordination with city improvement plans and secure passage throughout I-95.
- Hole 3: From Prince William Forest Park to the Nationwide Museum of the Marine Corps, together with the problem of crossing Joplin Street and its busy interchange.
A fourth hole—from the Potomac Shores Virginia Railway Categorical (VRE) station to Dumfries—was not a part of the FLAP research as a result of earlier plans depicted it as a direct on-road connection. Nevertheless, the county’s 2040 Mobility Plan now requires a path alignment by way of shared-use paths and open house areas inside the Potomac Shores improvement.
Path advocates say suggestions from the subcommittee reviewing the research might be forwarded to the Prince William Trails and Blueways Council and will form the ultimate Trails Grasp Plan, anticipated to go earlier than the Board of County Supervisors for adoption in January.
In the meantime, a outstanding phase of the PHNST already open to the general public—the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk in Woodbridge—affords a mannequin for future path improvement. The ¾-mile ADA-accessible boardwalk, which opened in 2019, spans the delicate wetlands of the Julie J. Metz Wetlands Protect. The elevated path, in style with birdwatchers and households, options interpretive signage and remark decks and was designed to reduce environmental affect whereas enhancing entry to nature.
Regardless of progress, no funding has but been secured for designing or constructing any of the path segments recognized within the research. The following alternative for funding arises in the course of the county’s FY27 price range cycle, which commences with inside planning in October and public participation in January.
A coalition of path supporters is encouraging residents to talk up. Final spring, a push to extend path funding to $5 million within the FY26 price range practically succeeded, with the Board of County Supervisors retaining $1 million in base funding. Supervisors have signaled they might assist a $5 million path funding in FY27 if public assist stays sturdy.
Along with the PHNST developments, the Board not too long ago permitted a associated path mission in Haymarket: a $3 million underpass below Route 15 close to Catharpin Creek that may join the Dominion Valley neighborhood to James Lengthy Park and Battlefield Excessive College. The mission replaces a shelved pedestrian bridge proposal and is funded largely by developer contributions.
