Chesterfield is buying into the idea of pedestrian access for citizens across the county.
Old Centralia Road is slated for a sidewalk from Castlebury Drive to Glen Oaks Court.
Sidewalks have already been constructed on Cogbill, Osborne, and Harrowgate roads. Old Centralia and Osborne roads have had partial sidewalks for years, but they end abruptly; some calling them sidewalks to nowhere. But a movement inspired by safety, health issues, and connectivity is driving the need for more pedestrian amenities.
The Old Centralia Road sidewalk when completed will be about a half mile.
The Chesterfield Department of Transportation (CDOT) has procured revenue sharing funds (50 percent state funds and 50 percent county funds) that will be used to construct the sidewalk.
According to Brent Epps, CDOT manager for the project, the walk from Castlebury to Mineola will run along the inside of the drainage ditch and meander until it reaches Mineola, from which the sidewalk will be accompanied by curb and gutter until it reaches its destination at Glen Oaks Court.
Traffic impacts are not expected at this time, but will be announce if there is an issue foreseen in the future.
The sidewalk was expected to begin this summer, but unexpected issues delayed the start of construction, according to Epps.
Virginia created a policy for integrating bicycle and pedestrian accommodations throughout the state. Bermuda District Supervisor Dorothy Jaeckle encouraged the bicycle lanes added to West Hundred Road last year.
According to the Commonwealth, “bicycling and walking are fundamental travel modes and integral components of an efficient transportation network. Appropriate bicycle and pedestrian accommodations provide the public, including the disabled community, with access to the transportation network; connectivity with other modes of transportation; and independent mobility regardless of age, physical constraints, or income.
“Effective bicycle and pedestrian accommodations enhance the quality of life and health, strengthen communities, increase safety for all highway users, reduce congestion, and can benefit the environment. Bicycling and walking are successfully accommodated when travel by these modes is efficient, safe, and comfortable for the public. A strategic approach will consistently incorporate the consideration and provision of bicycling and walking accommodations into the decision-making process for Virginia’s transportation network.”
