A new boardwalk is poised to take shape along Neabsco Creek in Woodbridge.
Officials plan to build phase one of a 3,000-foot long, 10-foot wide boardwalk in the Julie Metz Wetlands near where the Neabsco Creek meets the Potomac River. The walkway will be a part of the larger 830-mile Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail that will run from Pittsburgh to the Northern Neck Peninsula of Virginia.
In Woodbridge, eventually, the boardwalk will be expanded into nearby neighborhoods. Educational stops will highlight information about wildlife found in the wetland parks. The ramp will be ADA compliant.
“The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk represents the quality of life that is a hallmark of the New Woodbridge,” said Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi in a press release “We have the best of both worlds here. Modern conveniences of a metro area, surrounded by natural beauty. The boardwalk will help residents to fully enjoy that balance, and attract visitors to the community.”
Officials hope the boardwalk will become a destination for those who like to view wildlife. A total of 300 parking spaces will be available for those who visit the boardwalk once it’s completed, according to a press release.
Nearby sites of interest include the historic Rippon Lodge, Rippon Landing Neighborhood Park, and Eagles Landing Baseball Fields.
A federal review process must be complete before construction begins. Principi says that process could be completed by August, and construction could begin by November.
Construction of the boardwalk is expected to take between 18 and 24 months to complete. Most of the work will be done in winter to mitigate negative effects on wildlife and plants in the area.
The boardwalk is expected to cost $3 million and will be funded through developer proffer and local transportation funds.
Landscape Architect, Lardner/Klein Inc. was hired to work on the project.
