Progress

---

Construction Progress Update (as of Feb. 25, 2026)

Segment 4 temporary bridges complete (Straight Branch to Taylor’s Valley)

All temporary bridges within Segment 4 — spanning from Straight Branch to Taylor’s Valley — are now complete. These structures provide critical access for crews, equipment and materials and support continued progress.

Temporary bridges progressing (Taylor’s Valley to Creek Junction)

Five of the 10 planned temporary bridges between Taylor’s Valley and Creek Junction are complete. Installation of the remaining temporary bridges will continue to establish full access through this portion of the project area.

Main office mobilization complete

Mobilization of the main office in Damascus is complete. The facility supports on-site coordination, inspections and day-to-day project management for the Virginia Creeper Trail Reconstruction Project.

Traffic coordination in Taylor’s Valley

Actions have been taken in Taylor’s Valley to address speeding. Kiewit continues coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure traffic laws are followed and posted speed limits are observed.

---

Bridging the Gap: Construction Update (as of Feb. 20, 2026)

Bridge 18 was removed because of the extensive structural damage beyond repair from Hurricane Helene.

Below is an image of some of the damage done to Bridge 18.

Bridge 16, the existing Steel Truss Bridge is going to be rehabilitated and remain in place. The existing wooden deck and handrails are being removed from the Steel Truss Bridge and will be replaced with new wood decking. The existing wooden approach spans on both ends are being removed and replaced by new wooden spans leading up to the Steel Truss Bridge. 

Bridge 17, the existing wooden approach spans on both ends, are being removed and replaced by new wooden spans leading up to the Steel Truss Bridge. The Steel Truss Bridge is being removed because rehabilitation of the steel structure was not feasible due to Helene impacts. The bridge being put in place of the existing bridge will be a Contech bridge.

Below is a picture of the current Bridge 17 and a rendering of a similar bridge from a different location which the design for 17 is based off of.

Demolition-wise, 18, 19, and 20 have been removed. Removal processes for bridges 16 and 17 will begin in early March.

---

Construction Progress Update (as of Feb. 12, 2026)

Crews continue to make progress on early work activities, with key milestones completed and additional access improvements underway.

Design borings complete (72 of 72 complete)

All planned design borings are now complete. This milestone provides the full set of subsurface data needed to support final design and upcoming construction activities.

Temporary bridge access improvements

Installation of temporary bridges between Straight Branch and Taylor’s Valley is underway and anticipated to be complete by Feb. 16, 2026. These structures will further support safe and efficient movement of crews and equipment along the corridor.

Cold and snowy weather operations

Crews have made advancements in working safely and effectively in winter conditions. This includes becoming proficient in clearing snow from the trail to avoid work interruptions and providing snow and ice-specific equipment for crews, including ice traction cleats, to support stable footing in icy conditions.

Material deliveries and traffic safety

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. Rock hauling will continue to these and additional locations throughout the summer. Kiewit emphasizes safe driving and adherence to posted speed limits for all rock truck drivers and is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure traffic laws are followed at all times.

---

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.