Visitors react to closure of historic Richmond Pipeline Trail

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - A historic trail in Richmond is closing after city officials found multiple safety concerns due to the aging structure.

There’s a “no trespassing” sign on a fence leading to the Pipeline Trail, but 12 On Your Side’s Jennifer Blake noticed it was open. The city said it’s supposed to be closed due to safety concerns, but people walked along the catwalk all Sunday afternoon.

“It’s one of the really unique features of the city we love to explore when we have time,” said Sergius Vernet, who likes to take walks along the trial.

The historic, nearly 50-year-old, pipeline trail is an industrial sewer pipe with a catwalk on top. The trail is closing due to safety concerns, but the “no trespassing” sign on the gate leading to the trail has been ignored.

City officials are working on a long-term solution to the pipe that’s been linked to two different leaks, sending sewage into the river.

Despite this, visitors still enjoy exploring the area.

“It’s a spot that’d be unique to visit and a benefit to the community if it was more accessible,” Vernet said.

City leaders are also telling people not to use the beach areas along the pipeline trail.

The latest report from the city said there isn’t a certain timeline for fixing the pipeline because of how it sits above the river. It’s said to be difficult for crews to access parts of the trail, but visitors hope the pipeline opens back up.

“Honestly I think it should something that should be attended to and left open for people to enjoy in my opinion,” he said.

City leaders say that if you want to go to the river, use other access points like Pony Pasture, Reedy Creek, Ancarrows Landing, the Wetlands, Great Shiplock Park, Belle Isle, Dock Street or Tredegar Put In.