We desperately need a foot bridge!

We (two families consisting of three adults and two children) live in a small valley just outside and north of Bluefield, VA. The Bluestone National Scenic River makes a horseshoe loop around our properties. A rail line owned by Norfolk Southern forms the other boundary.

Until the spring of 2023, a small bridge over the Bluestone enabled us to drive from the nearest hard-surfaced road onto our properties. Then, heavy flooding washed the bridge away. Now, we can reach our homes only by walking along a dangerous stretch of railroad and up and down steep banks; or – when the water is low enough – by walking across the river bed.

Tazewell County, Commonwealth of Virginia and federal officials – along with Norfolk Southern – have rejected requests to rebuild the bridge as well as appeals for financial assistance, noting that they have no responsibility for the bridge.

A private contractor, however, has agreed to build a pedestrian bridge at a cost of around $20,000.

Please consider a contribution to help us reach that goal.

Committee members assisting with this project are Terry Kirk, chair-person, Audrey Kirk, Mike Walk, Elaine Owens, Ann Gilbert, Charlie Stacy, and Mark Asbury.