Construction of the African American Heritage Trail will likely begin in February or March after Williamsburg City Council approved contracts for a trailhead and a comfort station at a meeting earlier this month. According to information provided by the city, the two-mile trail will connect 13 sites of historical and cultural significance to the African American community, recognizing the enduring presence, experiences and contributions of African Americans. Council voted 5-0 to approve a contract with Henry S. Branscome for $1,277,627 to build the trailhead and paved trail and a contract with Construction Growth Partners for $268,534.76 to renovate the comfort station. While the funding had already been allocated for the project, the contracts required formal council approval because both exceeded the city’s $100,000 procurement threshold.
The trailhead contract covers pavers, an art display area, a seating wall, a new asphalt shared-use path with stairs, guardrail, lighting and landscaping, garden walls along the path, an ADA-compliant ramp to the First Baptist Church parking lot and handicap ramp upgrades at the intersection of Scotland Street and Prince George Street, Jack Reed, director of public works and utilities, said. City Manager Michele Mixner DeWitt noted that the project is funded by congressionally directed federal funding, city tourism funds, capital improvement program sales tax money as well as a grant from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Construction will take 150 days to substantial completion and 180 days to final completion after notice to proceed, Reed said.
We’re committed to keeping local news accessible for everyone. EMAIL us for a free all-access subscription, for any reason, no questions asked.
Keep reading for more details on key points in the discussion about Williamsburg’s African American Heritage Trail …