$240 million contract awarded for Virginia Creeper Trail reconstruction

A Georgia-based company has won a nine-figure contract to repair the devastated eastern half of the Virginia Creeper Trail.The Town of Damascus announced the award from the U.S. Forest Service on Thursday, Nov. 6."This marks a critical milestone in the restoration of the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail following the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024," the Town of Damascus said.Kiewit Corporation, headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, received the $240,580,432.12 contract.The contract "will encompass the full rebuild of the devastated upper 17-mile section of the trail between Damascus and Whitetop Station," which remains closed to all traffic. Some parts of the trail, including over 30 trestle bridges, were damaged, destroyed or swept away by Helene.The 18 miles of the trail from Damascus to Abingdon is open. Bike outfitters are providing full rental and shuttle services from their Damascus storefronts to the Abingdon trailhead."This is incredible news, not only for the entire region, but also for those who come to Damascus from all over the nation and the world," said Mayor Katie Lamb. "The Virginia Creeper Trail is the lifeline of our precious little town. Damascus, the heart of the Creeper Trail, is thrilled to welcome the Kiewit team. We are beyond excited for the rebuilding of the trail and the economic impact this will bring back to Southwest Virginia. Many thanks to the United States Forest Service and their wonderful team."Construction is expected to begin promptly in November 2025, with hopes to reopen the trail in the Fall of 2026. Throughout the 2025 season, Forest Service crews and additional contractors have performed initial restoration efforts, removing more than 30,000 cubic yards of debris and laying the foundation for this greater recovery effort."Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and its crown jewel, the Virginia Creeper Trail, are central to the longstanding Trail Town USA identity of Damascus," the town stated.Chris Bell, Damascus Town Manager, emphasizes the need for ongoing community engagement: "We are committed to supporting the U.S. Forest Service and Kiewit Corporation throughout this project to ensure this essential piece of infrastructure is rebuilt as efficiently and safely as possible. We have been proactively working with local businesses and property owners to prepare for this influx of contractors and temporary economic boost over the next year."The upper half between Damascus and Whitetop Station remains under strict closure for the duration of the construction period until otherwise noted, for both the safety of the public and worksite efficiency of the contractor teams. Unlawful entry into the work zone is dangerous and causes delays. There is no access to the Virginia Creeper Trail past Damascus at this time.For more information, please visit the SAM.gov contract listing for the reconstruction project and the USDA.gov webpage for Hurricane Helene Information regarding the Virginia Creeper Trail.