Virginia Trail Sections Could Be Paved Over

The Appalachian Trail, in very narrow corridors, abuts and crosses under Interstate 81 in two places in Virginia, where a "corridor improvement study" in the concept stage—and open for public comment now—could lead to temporary obliteration of slightly more than a mile of trail and longer passages under the extremely busy highway.

The current version of the study, a prelude to more detailed environmental-impact analyses if and when decisions to build are made, says that two more lanes in each direction will be needed in the highly developed Cloverdale/Daleville section north of Roanoke, to handle an expected doubling in traffic by 2035, and one additional northbound will be needed in the section that includes the perpendicular Groseclose underpass for the trail in southwest Virginia. In the Daleville area, the narrow A.T. corridor runs below the I-81 shoulder for more than a mile on the western side between U.S. 220 (also a four-lane) and Va. 779 to the north, where hikers pass under the interstate and head up to Black Horse Gap and the Blue Ridge Parkway sections. Even when that corridor was acquired 15 or more years ago, little land was available between residences to the west and a sprawling truck stop complex to the east.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy already has written the Virginia Department of Transportation study group, calling for full evaluation of the impacts of the concepts on the A.T. and the hikers' experience there, as required by federal laws governing highway construction affecting national park units. The agency suggests in its current draft that such effects are to be examined at the next stage. Opportunities for public involvement in the process are fully described at the Virginia Department of Transportation Web site.

Full text of ATC comments to VDOT

Re:  ER-05/1022/ Comments on the I-81 Corridor Improvement Study Tier 1 Draft  
Environmental Impact Statement

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in behalf of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to comment on the I-81 Corridor Improvement Study/Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement. We appreciate the opportunity to share our thoughts and concerns.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a volunteer-based, private nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the 2,175-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a 250,000-acre greenway extending from Maine to Georgia. Our mission is to ensure that future generations will enjoy the clean air and water, scenic vistas, wildlife and opportunities for simple recreation and renewal along the entire Trail corridor. Approximately 3 to 4 million people each year use the Appalachian Trail for extended backpacking trips, short day or weekend hikes, birding, or just a Sunday picnic or a morning's solitude.  The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, formed in 1925, is dedicated solely to protecting and promoting the Trail.  The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is both a 35,000-person membership organization and a federation of 30 affiliated clubs. 

ATC and our 35,000 members, as well as our 30 affiliated Trail-maintaining clubs whose volunteers each year contribute more than 195,000 hours in service along the Trail, have a strong interest as stakeholders who will be directly impacted by improvements to the I-81 Corridor. 

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a premier recreational opportunity along the eastern
portion of the United States. Over the course of the last 80 years, considerable thought, work and
money have been provided to enhance and protect the outdoor experience along the Trail. As a
significant national resource, it is imperative that the next iteration of the I-81 Corridor  Improvement
Study Draft Environmental Impact Statement more specifically describes the impacts to the Appalachian Trail, including visual impacts, noise impacts, and impacts to the biological resources. The Tier 1 Draft does not address any of these concerns specifically. Many of these impacts will require mitigation measures that must be addressed in site-specific Tier 2 environmental impact statements. The costs of this mitigation should be factored into the overall costs of the proposed alternatives.

The impacts of the proposed project, many of which are likely to be significant for the Appalachian Trail, must be addressed in site-specific Tier 2 environmental impact statements, not categorical exclusions or environmental assessments as proposed by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

There are a number of suggested actions outlined in the I-81 Corridor Improvement Study
Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement that will have a significant impact on the Appalachian
National Scenic Trail. These impacts occur in the vicinity of Daleville, Virginia.  Expanding I-81 from its current four-lane design to the maximum-width, 10-lane interstate could permanently change the character of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in this area. The physical footpath of the Appalachian Trail and its protective corridor would be entirely dislocated between Route 220 and Route 779 (where the Trail passes under Interstate 81).  The improvements proposed under the maximum width alternative have the potential to obliterate the Trail and dramatically increase the exposure of visitors on the Trail to both the sights and sounds of traffic on Interstate 81 and Route 220, as well as surrounding development.  It will be necessary to evaluate and identify mitigation measures in coordination with the National Park Service, ATC, and local trail maintaining clubs.

Similarly, proposed actions at the Groseclose interchange may also have significant impact to the Appalachian Trail footpath. These impacts will need to be carefully evaluated and the necessary mitigation measures accounted for in coordination with stakeholders. In addition, Appalachian National Scenic Trail fee lands are located at the Groseclose interchange (Milepost 55) and in Fauquier County (along Rail Section 8).  These lands should be included in the inventory and reflected in the maps.  All of these lands were acquired under Section 4(f) authority.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a significant recreational resource, drawing in local hikers, as well as those from afar, including many hikers outside of the United States. This international attraction can contribute significantly to rural economies, especially in southwestern Virginia. It is imperative that the hiking experience is not compromised for the well being of local communities as well as for the protection of a well-recognized recreational icon. We expect that the Appalachian Trail will not to be closed to hikers at any time during construction of additional lanes, and hikers are protected from potential construction hazards.

ATC, along with our affiliated trail clubs, and the Appalachian Trail Park Office look forward to
working closely with VDOT to determine accurate impacts to the Appalachian Trail, as well as to assist in identifying the potentially significant mitigation requirements of the proposed projects aimed at improving I-81. These costs need to be evaluated along with other reasonable approaches to improving the safety of I-81.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.

Sincerely,
Laura Belleville
Regional Director
Southwest and Central Virginia