Before construction begins on the Virginia Creeper Trail, the work is already underway — not with equipment, but with people. The project’s earliest steps have relied on the community members who know the trail best, and their role will only grow as restoration moves forward.
Partnering early and planning for more ahead
During bid development, Kiewit hired local shuttle operators to help reach remote points along the closed corridor. With access limited, these companies used their deep familiarity with the mountain roads to guide the team safely to each location.
Those early trips laid the groundwork for what comes next. Once construction moves forward, the shuttle companies that previously brought cyclists to the upper trail will begin transporting Kiewit crews to access points along the corridor.
Landowners: providing the foundation for safe access
Just as shuttle operators will support mobility along the trail, local landowners are central to how the project will safely access work areas.
Several of the most practical staging locations and access points sit on privately owned land in and around Damascus. As part of early planning, Kiewit has been working with properties to establish temporary leases that will allow the team to enter, stage materials and operate safely throughout the duration of construction.
On some properties, that means installing a temporary bridge to reach the corridor. On others, the leased areas will be used for staging and for creating safe access into work zones once construction begins.
Across every property, the commitment remains the same: when the project is complete, each site will be fully restored to its original condition.
For many landowners, offering use of their land is more than a practical arrangement — it’s a way to help restore a trail that has been part of this community’s identity for generations.
Preparing for a community-driven comeback
The physical work will start soon, but the community partnerships that sustain the project are already in motion. Shuttle drivers, landowners and local businesses are helping shape a restoration effort rooted in shared commitment and local pride.
As the project moves forward, these partnerships will keep the trail — and the community — moving together.