W&OD Trail Section Re-Opens

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

NVRPA, Dominion Virginia Power Announce Reopening of New and Improved Section of the W&OD Trail

FAIRFAX STATION, VA - The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) is pleased to announce the two-mile stretch of the W&OD Trail between mile markers 36 and 38 west of Leesburg has been re-opened for public use.

This portion of the trail was closed to the public in December of 2009 to enable Dominion Virginia Power to install an underground transmission line. The Park Authority and Dominion worked together to ensure the trail would remain open during the year-long process by arranging the construction of a paved detour. The affected area started at milepost 36, approximately 3/5 of a mile west of the Route 7 trail crossing.

“We appreciate all the efforts of Delegate Joe May on our behalf to assure the trail impact was limited in the undergrounding process; he put a great deal of effort into finding solutions,” said NVRPA chairman Su Webb.

“Construction of this new 230-kilovolt transmission line will offer greater service reliability for homes and businesses in western Loudoun County,” said Bob McGuire, Director of Electric Transmission Projects for Dominion. “We are pleased to provide a wider, newly paved and restored trail for the public to enjoy. We appreciate the assistance and cooperation of NVRPA and trail users during the detour.”

The project consisted of Dominion constructing a new 230 kV transmission line that extends from Dominion's existing Pleasant View Substation, located east of Leesburg off Cochran Mill Road, to a new substation site northwest of Hamilton, near the intersection of Berlin Turnpike and Route 7.

In February, 2008, the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved Dominion’s application to build the line and issued a subsequent order to construct two miles of the line under ground along the W&OD Trail. The affected portion of the W&OD Trail was 1.8 miles long, and the detour route was approximately 2 miles long. For more info visit: www.nvrpa.org or www.dom.com.

ABOUT NVRPA
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority enhances the communities of Northern Virginia and enriches the lives of their citizens through the conservation of regional natural and cultural resources. It provides diverse regional recreational and educational opportunities, and fosters an understanding of the relationships between people and their environment.

NVRPA Board of Directors – City of Alexandria: David M. Pritzker, Justin Wilson; Arlington County: Paul Ferguson, Michael Nardolilli; Fairfax County: Jean R. Packard, Stella Koch; City of Fairfax: Brian Knapp, Arthur F. Little; City of Falls Church: Jeffrey Tarbert, Barry D. Buschow; Loudoun County: Joan G. Rokus, Su Webb (Chairman).