Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 28, 2011
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Work on state park?s High Bridge to begin in March
FARMVILLE ? Much anticipated work on the last segment of High Bridge Trail State Park is slated to begin in early March when Keith Barber Construction of Farmville will begin decking, handrail and overlook work on High Bridge. The historic railroad bridge is the only segment of the linear state park that is currently not open to the public.
Starting March 7, portions of the park abutting the bridge will be closed during construction for the safety of park guests. The bridge and closed portions of the park will become an active construction site.
On the Cumberland County side of the bridge the park will be closed near River Road. On the Prince Edward side of the bridge the park will be closed near Aspen Hill Road. Park staff plans to install signs at each area to keep park visitors updated on the bridge construction progress. Work on the bridge is expected to take at least nine months.
The High Bridge in Prince Edward and Cumberland counties is the centerpiece of the 30 mile linear state park. Site of one of the last battles of the Civil War, the bridge is 2,400 feet long and towers 160 feet above the Appomattox River. It is the most prominent of numerous cultural and historic areas connected by the park.
Construction will convert the historic structure from a railroad bridge to one suitable for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Horses will have to be dismounted and led across the bridge. The wood floor decking and side handrails are similar in design to that used on the park?s other bridges. Once completed, the bridge will feature three scenic overlooks.
Last year attendance on the 30 mile High Bridge Trail State Park approached nearly 80,000. The park runs from through Nottoway, Cumberland and Prince Edward counties and through the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice.
Managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, High Bridge Trail is one of 35 award-winning Virginia State Parks. For more information on High Bridge Trail or any Virginia State Park go to www.virginiastatepark.gov.
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