Chesapeake’s long-term plans to expand its network of trails and walkways in order to increase connectivity across the city are earning it recognition.
The city received the 2025 Commonwealth Connectors Award in July from the American Planning Association of Virginia for its comprehensive trails and connectivity plan, also dubbed “TConn.” The plan will guide ongoing and future development of more than 300 miles of trails and roadway improvements over the next few decades.
The development plan also seeks to enhance residents’ overall quality of life by prioritizing shared-use paths for pedestrians and bicyclists that can contribute to better health outcomes. The plan aims to increase access to parks, schools, jobs and public transit and better connect high-density residential and commercial areas to rural areas.
Taking advantage of the region’s unseasonably warm weather this week, Chesapeake residents hit the city’s trails in droves.
Rob and Char Martin praised the city’s efforts to expand its trails and walkways network while on a walk Wednesday along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Both have lived in southern Chesapeake for four years and regularly use the trail and bike lanes.
“We’ve been to every state and Virginia lacks bike trails,” Char Martin told The Virginian-Pilot.
Chesapeake City Council formally adopted its trails master plan in November 2024. Though many proposed trail segments will come as development occurs, the core plan includes completing key segments of the South Hampton Roads Trail and extending the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, a vital link in the East Coast Greenway.
The design and construction of the South Hampton Roads Trail, which will ultimately connect Suffolk to Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront, is moving along, though Chesapeake previously experienced delays in coordinating with federal agencies. The second phase of the project will connect Dorden Street to Taylor Road, with construction slated for this spring, according to the city.
Other trails to come include 11 miles of pathways along Ballahack Road, sidewalk conversions along Cedar Road, and sidewalk connections in South Norfolk.
The planning association highlighted the city’s trails plan for its active transportation planning, accessibility, community engagement and connectivity throughout both the city and region. It emphasized Chesapeake’s community engagement strategy, which included three citywide community meetings, dozens of local events and targeted outreach to stakeholders. City staff collected more than 300 survey responses and more than 200 comments of public input on the plan.
“The Chesapeake Trails and Connectivity Plan sets a new standard for active transportation planning,” said Julie Chop on behalf of American Planning Association Virginia in a news release. “Its focus on equity, community-driven development, and regional integration makes TConn a model for communities across Virginia and beyond.”
Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, [email protected]