Richmond breaks ground on new James River Branch Trail, connecting Southside neighborhoods
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A long-awaited project to improve accessibility and create new recreational opportunities in Southside Richmond took a major step forward today with the groundbreaking of the James River Branch Trail. The new two-mile trail will stretch from Westover Hills Boulevard to Hopkins Road, offering pedestrians, cyclists and local residents an improved route to navigate the city without relying on cars. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place Tuesday morning, was attended by Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, city officials, and members of the local community. Stoney emphasized that Southsiders don't have as many outdoor green spaces as the Northside, and hopes this will inspire change. "They [Southside residents] should have the same quality of life, standard of living as those who live across the river or on the West End or Windsor Farms or the Fan," Stoney said. The project -- first proposed in 2008 -- has faced significant delays, primarily due to challenges securing the necessary land, part of it from CSX, where an inactive railroad currently sits. The multimillion-dollar trail will connect local schools, businesses and neighborhoods, giving Southside residents better access to key parts of the city and the scenic James River Park System. Ryan Rinn, a Capital Projects Planner with Richmond’s Department of Parks and Recreation, underscored the importance of the trail for the community. "Isn't is so cool that four thousand families south of this point are going to be able to access high school, the James River Park System, Southside Plaza without needing a car," Rinn said. "Adding an amenity like this will allow you the ability to have that sidewalk that you don't have and use it to be safe while you're traveling through our major commercial, recreational and educational amenities in this portion of the city." (Courtesy of Sahara Sriraman, 8News) City officials are optimistic about the project’s impact, noting that it will create new opportunities for outdoor activities and improve overall quality of life in the region. While the trail's completion is slated for December 2026, the immediate focus is on clearing years of accumulated trash from the area before construction can fully begin.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A long-awaited project to improve accessibility and create new recreational opportunities in Southside Richmond took a major step forward today with the groundbreaking of the James River Branch Trail.
The new two-mile trail will stretch from Westover Hills Boulevard to Hopkins Road, offering pedestrians, cyclists and local residents an improved route to navigate the city without relying on cars.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place Tuesday morning, was attended by Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, city officials, and members of the local community. Stoney emphasized that Southsiders don't have as many outdoor green spaces as the Northside, and hopes this will inspire change.
"They [Southside residents] should have the same quality of life, standard of living as those who live across the river or on the West End or Windsor Farms or the Fan," Stoney said.
The project -- first proposed in 2008 -- has faced significant delays, primarily due to challenges securing the necessary land, part of it from CSX, where an inactive railroad currently sits.
The multimillion-dollar trail will connect local schools, businesses and neighborhoods, giving Southside residents better access to key parts of the city and the scenic James River Park System.
Ryan Rinn, a Capital Projects Planner with Richmond’s Department of Parks and Recreation, underscored the importance of the trail for the community.
"Isn't is so cool that four thousand families south of this point are going to be able to access high school, the James River Park System, Southside Plaza without needing a car," Rinn said. "Adding an amenity like this will allow you the ability to have that sidewalk that you don't have and use it to be safe while you're traveling through our major commercial, recreational and educational amenities in this portion of the city."
(Courtesy of Sahara Sriraman, 8News)
City officials are optimistic about the project’s impact, noting that it will create new opportunities for outdoor activities and improve overall quality of life in the region.
While the trail's completion is slated for December 2026, the immediate focus is on clearing years of accumulated trash from the area before construction can fully begin.
