Progress
Construction Progress Update (as of Jan. 28, 2026)
Crews continue to make steady progress establishing access and supporting early construction activities. Work remains focused on enabling safe movement of personnel, equipment and materials to support upcoming phases.
Establishing downstream and segment access
Downstream access from Callahan Crossing was completed on Jan. 17, followed by the installation of the first temporary bridge in Taylor’s Valley on Jan. 19. A second temporary bridge providing access to Segment 3 was completed on Jan. 26. These temporary structures are critical for moving crews and equipment into previously inaccessible areas.
Borings nearing completion (69 of 72 complete)
Subsurface borings are nearly complete. This work provides essential information on soil, rock and groundwater conditions and will inform final design and construction decisions.
Expanded equipment access
With early access improvements in place, ATV and tracked equipment can now travel continuously from Straight Branch to Creek Junction, improving efficiency and coordination across the work area.
Emergency preparedness and coordination
Throughout January, Kiewit coordinated with local emergency services to conduct a mock rescue drill. The exercise, held on Jan. 20, focused on preparedness and hands-on training for all parties involved. Participating agencies included the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, Abingdon Fire Department and the Bristol, Virginia Fire Department Task Force 4 Technical Rescue Team. This coordination supports ongoing safety planning for the Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction Project and reflects continued collaboration with the Town of Damascus, City of Abingdon and City of Bristol, Virginia.
Material deliveries for temporary bridge construction
Aggregate trucking continues to deliver stone to support construction of temporary bridge abutments. Stockpiling is underway at the following locations:
• Straight Branch
• Taylor’s Valley
• Bridge 30 stockpile area
• Creek Junction
These efforts support ongoing access improvements and prepare the site for the next stages of work.
Taylor’s Valley Temporary Bridge Complete — 1/19/2026
Temporary Slope Failure Repair for Access at Callahan Crossing Complete — 1/17/2026
Mock Rescue Drill — 1/20/26
Construction Progress Update (as of Jan. 9, 2026)
Public safety
For everyone’s safety, members of the public should not follow crews or equipment onto the trail or jobsite.
Continuing borings (45 of 78 complete)
Borings are small, drilled holes that allow engineers to see what is underneath the trail, including soil, rock and groundwater. This information helps determine ground stability and what repairs will be needed.
Office complex delivery
A temporary office complex (trailers) will be delivered to support on-site coordination, inspections and planning. These facilities are temporary and will be removed once the job is complete.
Working on test pits
Test pits are small excavated areas that allow crews to visually confirm soil conditions and verify findings from drilling. This helps ensure repair plans are accurate and safe.
Establishing early access to the trail
Early access involves creating safe routes for construction crews and equipment to reach damaged areas. This does not mean the trail is reopening to the public, and the closure order remains in place.
Employment opportunities
Job openings related to this project can be found here.
