MODESTO - The newest addition of the Virginia Corridor Trail will open Saturday, June 23 at 11 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the trail crossing near Granger Avenue.
The trail extension, which includes a bridge over Briggsmore Avenue features include a Class I bicycle and pedestrian trail, landscaping, irrigation, energy efficient LED pathway and bridge lighting, benches, and trash receptacles, according to the City of Modesto.
The new phase cost about $3.8 million and was paid for in grants.
“Most projects of this nature are funded through our Capital Improvement Program to further the City’s Non-Motorized Transportation Plan,” said Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Director Julie Hallon. “But this section of the corridor would not have been constructed without the grant funding.”
With the completion of this phase, the Virginia Corridor Trail now extends almost 2 miles in overall length from downtown Modesto north to Bowen Avenue.
Just before the ribbon cutting ceremony, a new sculpture will be dedicated down the trail at Roseburg Square. The Hand Car sculpture depicts depicts two men using a hand car to travel along a section of railroad. Modesto’s Public Art Committee and the City of Modesto Culture Commission worked with local artist Steve Mudge to create the sculpture to tell the story of life on the rails.
