Richmond closes Pipeline Trail citing safety concerns

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) -The City of Richmond has closed the Pipeline Trail to residents, citing safety concerns due to the aging structure.

The Pipeline Trail was created when the combined sewer/stormwater pipe was installed nearly 50 years ago and suspended above the river.

The city temporarily closed the abandoned section of pipe on the trail to repair the aging infastructure following several documented safety hazards.

As the Department of Public Utilities focuses on the long-term solution of the combined sewer pipe with the catwalk (the Pipeline Trail), that portion of the trail will remain closed to the public as crews work on it.

The City strongly cautions rivergoers against traveling to the “beach” area near the pipe. However, the James River can still be accessed at Pony Pasture, Reedy Creek, Ancarrows Landing, the Wetlands, Great Shiplock Park, Belle Isle, Dock Street or Tredegar Put-In.