James River Land Improvement Project Virtual Presentation - February 2, 2022
SWIFT – Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow
- Full-scale SWIFT will require upgrades to HRSD’s treatment plants across Hampton Roads.
- SWIFT takes highly treated water that would otherwise be discharged into the Elizabeth, James or York Rivers and puts it through advanced water treatment to meet drinking water quality standards.
- SWIFT Water is then added to the Potomac Aquifer, the primary source of groundwater throughout eastern Virginia.
Project Charter – James River Land Improvements
- Focus on shoreline stabilization and trails
- Project is an integral part of SWIFT
- Use nature-based solutions to provide improved access to river views
- Support HRSD Mission, Vision, and Values
Overall Trail Network
- Phase 1
- Flax Mill Creek Trail
- James River Trail South
- Marina Connector Trail
- Planned completion by end of 2023
- Phase 2
- Connector Trail
- James River Trail North
- Planned completion by end of 2026
Flax Mill Creek Trail
- Connects to Riverview Farm Park trail
- Includes at-grade (ground-level) and elevated boardwalk sections
- Pedestrian path
- Trailheads at each end
Flax Mill Creek Trail - Details
- At-grade (ground-level) sections will be 8’ wide asphalt pedestrian path
- Trail alignment designed to preserve large trees
- Trail will have mile markers
Flax Mill Creek Trail - Boardwalks
- Elevated sections will be 8’ wide wooden boardwalk
- Mesh railings will maximize views
- Bump out overlooks for views and wildlife observation
- Boardwalks will help minimize clearing, grading, and wetland impacts
James River Trail South
- At-grade (ground-level) 10’ wide path for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Includes scenic overlooks
- Connects to central trailhead and interpretive opportunities
James River Trail South - Details
- At-grade (ground-level) 10’ wide shared use path
- Trail alignment uses mostly open grass areas to minimize need for clearing
- Trail will have mile markers
James River Trail South - Overlooks
- Offers expansive river views
- Includes one overlook spur and one overlook loop
- Includes benches
Marina Connector Trail
- Includes at-grade (ground-level) and elevated boardwalk sections
- 10’ wide shared-use path
- Connects to Menchville Marina
- Includes one trailhead location
Marina Connector Trail - Details
- At-grade (ground-level) sections will be 10’ wide asphalt path for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Trail alignment designed to preserve large trees
- Trail will have mile markers
Marina Connector Trail - Boardwalk
- Elevated section will be 14’ wide wooden boardwalk
- Mesh railings will maximize views
- Boardwalk will help minimize clearing, grading, and wetland impacts
Phase 2 Trails
- These at-grade (ground-level) trails will be 10’ asphalt paths for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Provide internal connections between central trailhead, marina, and Riverview Farm Park
- Provide access to SWIFT well houses and interpretive opportunities
Main Trailhead
- Main trailhead will be located at existing Riverview Farm parking area
- Include wayfinding and interpretive signs
- Provide seating
- Connect existing and proposed trails
Secondary Trailheads
- Three locations
- Intersection with existing trail
- Central parking area
- Menchville Marina
- Interpretive and wayfinding signs
Shoreline Stabilization
- Improvements will include Living Shoreline elements to stabilize the shore, prevent erosion, protect assets, and enhance habitat
- HRSD property
- Bank grading
- Stone spur and revetment
- Sand fill and marsh plantings
- City property
- Minimal grading
- Stone breakwaters
- Sand fill and marsh plantings
Project Schedule
