Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation

05/29/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B3iD8rDnW/

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05/01/2026

The Eastern Shore Rail Trail project is planning the Melfa to Onley segment: a trailhead with a bus stop in Onley, 2 right-turn lanes on Route 13, and a pedestrian crossing at Route 13 & Parkway Road at the ESVA Chamber of Commerce. Robert Sabbatini, Director of the ESVA Chamber, told WBOC he envisions the Chamber as a hub for travelers on the trail to discover more of what the area has to offer. "They're going to walk right into a town and eat at a great restaurant, get some great seafood and really get to experience what I think is my favorite, Eastern Shore hospitality,” Sabbatini said.

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. - A portion of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail project between Melfa and Onley will include features to make travel safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

08/13/2025

If you'd like to provide input on Eastern Shore road safety issues, a new federally-sponsored program is getting underway.
You can share your thoughts and ideas here: engagekh.mysocialpinpoint.com/travelsafeeasternshore
We've gotten involved to seek funding to convert some Route 13 crossings into pedestrian crossings, and we encourage you to add your voice to the conversation.

A-NPDC Safety Action Plan

05/23/2025

🚂➡️🌳 All aboard for an exciting new chapter on the Eastern Shore! 🎉 The groundbreaking for the Eastern Shore Rail Trail has officially happened, paving the way for nearly 50 miles of incredible walking and biking paths from Cape Charles to Hollywood. This is more than just a trail; it's a future hub for community, recreation, and a boost for our local businesses. So many to thank for making this vision a reality! With a bit of good fortune, the first section from Cape Charles to Route 13 will be ready by the end of summer – get your walking shoes and bikes ready!
Watch the WAVY.com coverage here: https://www.wavy.com/video/all-aboard-groundbreaking-for-eastern-shore-rail-to-trail/10741630/

WAVY's Brett Hall reports. https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/

05/23/2025

Sunny weather, a good turnout, and lots of smiles:

CAPE CHARLES, Va. (WAVY) — It’s out with the old and in with the new on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. More specifically, it’s out with the rail, in with the trail. Thursday, mor…

05/13/2025

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02/24/2025

Hope everyone has made it through the cold weather and snow that we have experienced with no serious problems! We have made some significant progress and milestones on the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Project since our last communication.

We had a meeting with our partners from both Hampton Roads and local VDOT personnel on the progress of the first section of the trail that starts in Cape Charles beside Rayfield's, proceeds along Stone Rd. to RT.13, crosses at the traffic light at Food Lion, and continues along the former railroad to Sunnyside Road in Cheriton - a distance of 4 miles. VDOT put the project out for bid in December. Five bids were received, and one bid has been recommended to be awarded for construction. According to the contract, work can begin by early summer and must be completed by October, 2026. VDOT officials also informed us that a Smart Scale project that we applied for from Cheriton to Birdsnest is awaiting approval from the Commonwealth Transportation Board this summer.

On Feb 12th, we were scheduled to meet with the Federal Highway Administration, which, last year, awarded a grant for 18 miles of trail from Birdsnest to Melfa. But, on Feb 11th, our FHA contact cancelled the meeting until further notice. We have heard mixed messages as to whether this grant will still be awarded. If it is, and the Smart Scale is approved, the trail from Cape Charles to Onley will be fully funded.

We are very thankful to all of our partners for their efforts in making this project a success so far. That includes VDOT, the ANPDC and the Federal Highway Administration. They have all been instrumental in making our dream of an Eastern Shore Rail Trail becoming a reality!

Hope to see you on the trail soon,

Ron Wolff
Executive Director
Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation

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11/27/2024

Check out our most recent newsletter here: https://bit.ly/ESRTF_newsletter4

09/10/2024

Thank You WHRO Public Media! in the News 📰😃

Officials in Virginia's Eastern Shore are seeking grants to complete most of a 49-mile walking and biking trail, the Eastern Shore Rail Trail. The trail repurposes the former Bay Coast Railroad, which ceased operations in 2018.

The trail, expected to start construction in 2025, aims to boost tourism and local economies, similar to other rail-to-trail conversions.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/w2ttazb9

09/02/2024