News Summary
The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation has announced a significant expansion of the Capital Trail, adding approximately 7.5 miles of new pathway connecting Jamestown High School to Colonial Williamsburg. This expansion will enhance regional connectivity and outdoor recreation opportunities, with support from local organizations and various funding sources. Additionally, the new segment will connect to the proposed TRAIL757 project, aiming to create a long-distance trail system across the region. The trail expansion reflects a commitment to improving community engagement and promoting health through outdoor activities.
Williamsburg, Virginia – The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation (VCTF) has announced a significant expansion of the Capital Trail, which will add approximately 7.5 miles of new pathway. This development, revealed on July 18, 2025, will add a crucial segment connecting Jamestown High School to South England Street in Colonial Williamsburg. This expansion has long been a priority for the VCTF, and its realization comes with the support of various local governing bodies and organizations dedicated to enhancing regional connectivity.
The partnership with the Tidewater Trails Alliance (TTA) is key to facilitating this expansion. Reed Nester, the chair of TTA, has spoken about the excitement surrounding the collaboration aimed at creating a safer and more connected trail system for the community. The estimated cost of this expansion ranges from $25 million to $33 million. Funding for this large-scale project will be sourced from a combination of government grants, donations from private foundations, individual contributors, and corporate partners, ensuring broader community involvement in its funding structure.
The Virginia Capital Trail itself is an extensive 51.7 miles long and is fully paved. It passes through several important areas including Richmond, Henrico County, Charles City County, and James City County. The trail was founded in 2004, and the first section, an 8-mile stretch in Charles City County, began construction in 2008. This new expansion aims to enhance the existing trail experience and create a unified route from Richmond to Hampton Roads.
Significantly, the new trail segment will connect directly to the proposed TRAIL757, which aspires to develop a long-distance trail spanning a total of 90 miles. TRAIL757 aims to connect critical locations including Williamsburg, York County, Newport News, Hampton, and Fort Monroe. Future sections of TRAIL757 are proposed to cross the James River, potentially linking up with other regional trails leading toward Virginia Beach.
The estimated overall cost for the TRAIL757 project stands between $240 million and $300 million. Various local officials have voiced their full support for the Capital Trail expansion and the broader TRAIL757 initiative. Officials from the City of Williamsburg, such as City Council member Ayanna Williams and Mayor Douglas Pons, have emphasized the anticipated benefits of this project for community connectivity and outdoor recreation.
Complementing these plans, the College Woods trail loop in Williamsburg is also in development, which aims to connect with TRAIL757. This project is structured across multiple phases, with Phase 1 already completed and Phase 2 currently in the design stage. Phase 3 is expected to further enhance pedestrian and cyclist access in the area.
The City Council in Williamsburg is actively pursuing additional funding opportunities to support these initiatives, including a grant request to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for $2.5 million, supplemented by a local match of $838,000. VDOT is anticipated to make a decision regarding the funding request in June 2026.
In summary, the Virginia Capital Trail expansion is not only a step toward improving recreational opportunities within the Williamsburg area but also facilitates a vision for a more extensive continuous trail system across the region. This advancement reflects a commitment to enhancing outdoor activities, promoting health and wellness, and fostering community engagement through increased trail accessibility.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Traffic Alterations Coming to I-64 in Newport News
Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-64 in Newport News
Virginia Capital Trail Expansion in Colonial Williamsburg
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation Launches Grant Program
Road Delays Expected for Triathlons in James City County
Colonial Williamsburg Public Auction Scheduled
James City County Unveils New Interactive Wildlife Sign
Spring Bloom Adventure Race Boosts Williamsburg Economy
Williamsburg, Virginia: A Family-Friendly Summer Getaway
Williamsburg City Council Approves $103.33 Million Budget
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Virginia Capital Trail to Expand into Williamsburg
- Daily Press: Virginia Capital Trail Plans Extension to Colonial Williamsburg
- WAVY: Virginia Capital Trail Expansion Will Connect Jamestown High School to Colonial Williamsburg
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Leaders to Prioritize Funding for Regional TRAIL757 Project
- RVA Hub: Capital Trail Outdoor Equity Fund Opens $20,000 for Outdoor Programs
- Wikipedia: Virginia Capital Trail
- Google Search: Virginia Capital Trail
- Google Scholar: Virginia Capital Trail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Capital Trail
- Google News: Virginia Capital Trail
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
