The Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel officially opened to the public on November 21, 2020. After patiently waiting to walk the trail and explore the engineering marvel, visitors arrived in droves. Trail counters installed by City of Waynesboro Parks and Recreation recorded over 8,500 visitors in the first week, 6,500 of whom parked at the eastern trailhead. The Tunnel’s western trailhead just off U.S. 250 is also open, creating options for out-and-back and through hiking experiences. If you are planning a visit soon, remember a flashlight or headlamp, and wear sturdy shoes, as it can be wet inside the tunnel.

The CSPDC congratulates Nelson County and the City of Waynesboro on completing the Tunnel restoration and trail construction. This landmark will support economic development, tourism and active recreation for residents and visitors to the region.

The Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley with support from the CSPDC is hosting a free webinar on outdoor lighting technology on Wednesday, January 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Bob Parks, founder of Smart Outdoor Lighting Alliance will lead the discussion and show new approaches to using lighting as a tool within our communities. Mr. Parks has worked extensively throughout Virginia to train and help develop zoning ordinances on community friendly lighting standards. Following the webinar, COVID-friendly walking tours will be scheduled with Mr. Parks to experience firsthand the concepts discussed. Registration is required.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has awarded funding for two years of operations of the Afton Express transit service which will connect Staunton, Fishersville, Waynesboro, Charlottesville and Fifth Street Station in Albemarle County.  The planned service will include four morning and four evening trips Monday through Friday, with Charlottesville and Albemarle stops at Bavarro Hall, UVA Health System, Amtrak, the Downtown Transit Center and Fifth Street Station. Discussions will take place with DRPT and the local funders / stakeholders (cities of Staunton, Waynesboro and Charlottesville, counties of Augusta and Albemarle, and UVA) to determine when to safely move forward with implementation of this new transit route.

The 2021 Shenandoah Valley Project Impact Preparedness Calendar is now available for pick-up at local government buildings and libraries or by contacting the CSPDC. Since 2000, the publication has contained preparedness tips and mitigation strategies for dealing with severe weather, emergencies and disasters, as well as fun holidays for each day of the year. This year, local historian, Nancy Sorrells curated the monthly images from a combination of historic photographs and her personal collection. Each image is accompanied by a detailed caption that helps tell the tale of the central Shenandoah Valley.