Sidewalk enhancements coming in Historic Falmouth

STAFFORD —The next phase of construction of the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail is set to begin in mid-February as crews build new sidewalks and repair and widen existing ones in Historic Falmouth. The sidewalks will allow residents and visitors safer and more level surfaces and will eventually function as a segment of the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail, increasing visitors’ access to recreational activities and parks.

“We are so excited about the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail and the opportunities it will bring for our residents and visitors. We envision people running, walking and riding bikes along the trail,” said Chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Susan Stimpson, R-Falmouth. “Widening and improving the sidewalks in the Historic Falmouth will encourage more visitors to the historical treasures we have in this area of Stafford.”

The Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail System is part of a bigger trail system that is envisioned to connect Stafford’s parks and historical resources along the Rappahannock River with those of Fredericksburg, forming the “Heritage Loop.” Phases 1 and 2 have already been constructed within John Lee Pratt Memorial Park, Phase 3 is under construction at St. Clair Brooks Memorial Park, and Phase 5 is pending approval from VDOT.

When completed, the Stafford trail segments will connect the important tourism sites, including Belmont, Chatham and Ferry Farm, and will help generate increased tourism traffic along its path encouraging more quality economic development opportunities. Safety will also be a key component of the trail, especially for the Historic Falmouth area.

“Having the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail run through Historic Falmouth will help make the history of the Port of Falmouth more visible and accessible,” said Stafford Supervisor Robert Thomas, R-George Washington. “Many people aren’t aware that the Port of Falmouth was a deep water port during Colonial times. It was a major shipping port and the whole area around the port was full of activity. It’s a cultural gem of Stafford County.”

Improvements will be made along Washington Street, W. Cambridge Street and King Street. The existing sidewalk will be replaced and widened where feasible on Washington Street. A new sidewalk will be constructed on the corner of the Washington Street and W. Cambridge Street intersection and will continue on the west side of W. Cambridge Street to the intersection with King Street. A new sidewalk will be built along the south side of King Street to the end of the trail at the Historic Port of Falmouth Park.

Residents in the Historic Falmouth have been sent letters advising them that their driveways might be affected by the construction. The improvements will be will be made within the Virginia Department of Transportation right-of-way on county property. Portions of some driveways may be located with VDOT right-of-way. In order to meet VDOT regulations, driveway entrances might be modified. In general, all driveways will contain concrete aprons, and access to the sidewalks will include handicapped-accessible ramps. The contractor, Toro Concrete, Inc., will notify property owners if this is the case.

The project could take a little over five months to complete. Officials are asking drivers to avoid cutting through the area during construction as the traffic flow will periodically be interrupted.

— From press release