by Douglas Stewart
FABB is asking local riders to Speak Up! in support of Fairfax City plans to construct the George Snyder Trail, a 2-mile trail from Chain Bridge Road to Fairfax Boulevard. The City Council will discuss these plans at a work session this coming Tuesday on July 11 and adding your voice can help ensure the City moves forward with the project and the trail will soon be enjoyed by all.
The Snyder Trail will connect on the west end with the new I-66 trail at Chain Bridge Road, and on the east end with the Wilcoxson Trail, which in turn connects to the Cross-County Trail. The plans call for a shared use path varying from 8 to 10 feet wide that can accommodate walkers, strollers and bicyclists. The trail will include areas to rest and play, as well as connections to Stafford and Draper Drive Parks.
The trail plans have been in the works for several years. The City was awarded funding for the trail through the I-66 Outside the Beltway project, developed the trail plans from 2018 to 2020, and held a public hearing on the plans in 2020.
The City Council still needs to approve a special use permit for some sections of the trail, and then the project can move forward to construction. At the east end, the City plans to connect the trail with the Wilcoxson by widening the sidewalks to create a shared-use path along Fairfax Boulevard.
Some concerns have been expressed about impacts to existing forested areas on the east side of the trail. The July 11 work session is likely to include a focus on these concerns. It’s important to remind City Council members of the many benefits the trail will bring. Residents will now have a safe bicycling route all the way across the City, making it a lot easier to bike for everyday trips. The trail will also be a great place to walk, reflect, reflect and enjoy nature.
Let the Mayor and Council hear your support for the project by emailing them at [email protected]. Let’s get this trail built, the sooner the better!
