(The Associated Press circulated the following on June 29.)
APPOMATTOX, Va. — Norfolk Southern has completed the donation of 31 miles of abandoned rail line, a key element to the creation of a dramatic state park featuring 2,400-foot bridge 160 feet above the Appomattox River.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced the transfer of the freight line’s donation Thursday for the High Bridge Trail State Park.
The Southside rail-trail ultimately will connect Pamplin to Burkeville, and run through Prospect, Farmville and Rice.
With the deed in hand, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia State Park system will begin to erect gates and signs at rail line access points. The new rail-trail state park will be opened for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.
Once decking and side rails are added, visitors will have access to the Appomattox bridge, which will offer a commanding view of land where Union and Confederate soldiers skirmished on April 6 and 7, 1865, in one of the last battles of the Civil War.
“People in Burkeville, Farmville, Rice, Pamplin City and other communities are excited to see this historic and scenic resource protected,” Kaine said in a statement. He called the rail-trail a “must-see” attraction that will lure visitors to the area.