Bridge at Beaverdam Creek needs repair

Dear Editor:

I would like to address the need for the county to encourage VDOT to repair and reopen the Beaverdam Creek bridge on Beaverdam Bridge Road. The closure of the bridge has encouraged a land owner to seek VDOT’s abandonment of the road easement VDOT has with the land owner. If vacated, loss of the easement would effectively prohibit access to the creek by walkers, bicyclists, and horseback riders, all of whom that have been using the road and bridge for generations.

VDOT should repair the bridge and reopen the bridge on Beaverdam Bridge Road. The county should encourage VDOT to expend the resources necessary to repair the bridge at the creek, remove the unsightly concrete barriers, and reopen the crossing. If VDOT chooses not to do so, at a minimum, they should not vacate their easement with the land owner. 

I shudder to think of what might happen if VDOT’s easement is vacated: I’m driving my grandkids down the road to see beautiful Beaverdam Creek, only to be denied access by a “No Trespassing” sign! This can’t be what the county envisions. The county should encourage people to visit and explore the beauty of Loudoun County.

Beaverdam Bridge Road, and the bridge at Beaverdam Creek, is a public asset that should be accessible by the public. It has existed for generations and should be restored to its original beauty. The benefits include providing an emergency escape route during wildfire, supporting Agri-tourism, and providing opportunities for bicycling and horseback riding.

I encourage you to request VDOT to appropriate the funds necessary to repair the bridge at Beaverdam Creek.

Les Starck
Middleburg