The study has several elements, all of which relate to the planned realignment of Route 17 along the Dismal Swamp Canal. Anticipating the completion of the new roadway (construction has begun), the City investigated the potential to convert the existing two-lane roadway into a multi-use recreational trail facility, ultimately connecting with the trail under development along Route 17 in North Carolina. The first step in this process was the development of a Corridor Master Plan. In addition to the trail itself, the Master Plan addresses access to the Great Dismal Swamp, as well as the need for support facilities along the trail such as bike racks and restrooms. The Master Plan also provides recommendations for: vehicular access to existing land uses; future land use in the corridor; and design standards for new development along the corridor.

Public involvement has been an important aspect of the study, which included 2 public meetings (held on February 4 and September 16, 2004), meetings with property owners and affected agencies, formal questionnaires, and other outreach efforts.

The Draft Master Plan is now complete; on November 10 the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the document and recommended that it be included in Forward 2026, the City’s Comprehensive Plan. City Council held a hearing on December 21.