The Violet Bank Trail project will provide a 6-foot-wide asphalt sidewalk connecting the eastern end of the Violet Bank Drive (west of Orkney Drive) to Selwood Drive, through public right of way. The project will be about 0.6 miles long. The project will include sidewalk ramps, painted crosswalks, and pedestrian crossing signage at each of the cross streets within the project limits, new drainage culvert pipes below the sidewalk, and planted trees.

The existing Violet Bank Trail, a currently used public right of way that includes a dirt path and an existing public drainage ditch, will be upgraded to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The new trail will feature a paved surface that will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design guidelines by providing a hardened path, sidewalk ramps, and designated street crossings. 

This project will also connect to nearby neighborhood sidewalks, providing easier access to local schools, businesses, the Kempsville Library, and the Kempsville Recreation Center.

​Project Details

  • Project design completed August 2025. Final plans and drainage report are available upon request. 

  • Private utility relocations are ongoing. Completion of utility relocations is estimated in fall of 2025.

  • Right-of-way acquisitions completed September 2025.

  • The project was advertised to construction contractors from August 13th, 2025 to September 30th, 2025. Four bids were received.

  • The low bidder is being awarded the construction contract for $959,297.00.

  • Anticipated construction start date is the end of 2025.

  • Estimated construction duration is nine months.

Project Location

Violet Bank Trail Map

Previous Project History

  • Spring 2010 - A request by residents from Bellamy Woods Civic League to City Council Member Harry Diezel to include the Violet Bank Trail as part of the draft 2011 Bikeways & Trails Plan to provide a safe paved path for residents and children.

  • Fall 2010 - Violet Bank Trail was explicitly listed as a project in the draft 2011 Bikeways & Trails Plan.

  • April 26, 2011 - City Council adopted the 2011 Bikeways & Trails Plan including the Violet Bank Trail.

  • 2015/2016 - Public meeting held for Violet Bank Trail TAP Grant as part of TAP Grant candidate project process.

  • Oct. 18, 2016 - City Council approved a public hearing for City to apply for the 2016 TAP Grant for Violet Bank Trail. (Was not funded in the 2016 grant cycle)

  • Oct. 17, 2017 - City Council approved a public hearing for City to apply for the 2017 TAP Grant for Violet Bank Trail.

  • Summer 2018 - VDOT awards City of Virginia Beach TAP grant for Violet Bank Trail.

  • 2018 - DOT Transportation Alternative Program grant awarded $318,848 in late 2018 with authorization to proceed granted in 2019.

  • Spring 2022 - The City of Virginia Beach held its first public open house virtually. The 2022 Public Outreach Report that summarizes the information, comments, and results of the 2022 public open house is available in the "related documents" section on this webpage.

  • March 2024 - The City of Virginia Beach held a second public open house in person and virtually. The virtual meeting room website includes a digital brochure, exhibits, typical sections, a questionnaire form and interactive maps. The 2024 public outreach report that summarizes the information, comments and results of the 2024 public open house is available in the “related documents” section on this webpage.

  • Dec. 3, 2024 - A public hearing was held at the City Hall Building for approval of right of way acquisitions, by agreement or condemnation, for the project.

  • Dec. 10, 2024 – City Council decided to move forward with the 6-foot-wide sidewalk design from the eastern end of Violet Bank Drive (west of Orkney Drive) to Selwood Drive.

Disclaimer

If you would like to obtain a copy of the following documents, please contact the Department of Public Works Engineering Group at 757-385-4167 or ghowell@vbgov.com, attention Project Manager Greg Howell.

  • Violet Bank Trail Final PS & E Submittal Plan
  • Violet Bank Trail Public Outreach Report – 2024
  • Violet Bank Trail Stormwater Report
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