Project Links
Rehabilitate and Resurface Roads, Parking Areas and Driving Tour-Stops at Fredericksburg Battlefield
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park » Rehabilitate and Resurface Roads, Parking Areas and Driving Tour-Stops at Fredericksburg Battlefield » Document List
The Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park proposes to rehabilitate and resurface parking areas and driving tour-stops at Fredericksburg Battlefield, Chancellorsville Battlefield and Chatham Manor.
Today, the National Park Service maintains approximately 30 miles of roads within the boundaries of the park, 27 miles of these roads are classified as public use park roads. These roads were constructed in the 1930s to provide visitors an opportunity to see the battlefields and the 38 miles of earthworks in the park. Parking areas were later installed to facilitate access to prominent sites along these roads and at designated stops along the park's driving tour.
In 2010, over 2 million people visited the park and used the park roads. Increasing visitor-use and traffic strains the efficiency and carrying capacity of many of the park roads. Today, many of the roads are in need of attention and maintenance. Moreover, in the last ten years, the park has seen a steady increase in use of the park by recreational visitors. Lee Drive on the Fredericksburg Battlefield has become a destination for joggers, bicyclists, and other recreational users. As a consequence, the designated parking areas frequently experience overflow problems and visitors are forced to park along road shoulders and other non-designated locations. Erosion and parking overflows have created safety hazards and intrude upon the historic setting and ultimately the visitor experience.
In 2000, the park opened a tour stop at the Jackson Flank Area on the Chancellorsville Battlefield. Utilizing an existing former residential driveway, visitors access the site directly off of State Route 3. With increased traffic along Route 3, it has become dangerous for visitors to make the turn into the driveway.
The park proposes to use monies supplied by the Federal Highways Administration to rehabilitate and resurface park roads, parking areas and driving tour-stops on the Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville Battlefields, as well as at Chatham Manor.
Under the guidelines of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, FRSP is soliticing public comments on this project. Written comments, either through this website or via postal letter, will be accepted only during the 30 day public review period.
Historian and Cultural Resources Manager
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP
120 Chatham Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Eric_Mink@nps.gov
Today, the National Park Service maintains approximately 30 miles of roads within the boundaries of the park, 27 miles of these roads are classified as public use park roads. These roads were constructed in the 1930s to provide visitors an opportunity to see the battlefields and the 38 miles of earthworks in the park. Parking areas were later installed to facilitate access to prominent sites along these roads and at designated stops along the park's driving tour.
In 2010, over 2 million people visited the park and used the park roads. Increasing visitor-use and traffic strains the efficiency and carrying capacity of many of the park roads. Today, many of the roads are in need of attention and maintenance. Moreover, in the last ten years, the park has seen a steady increase in use of the park by recreational visitors. Lee Drive on the Fredericksburg Battlefield has become a destination for joggers, bicyclists, and other recreational users. As a consequence, the designated parking areas frequently experience overflow problems and visitors are forced to park along road shoulders and other non-designated locations. Erosion and parking overflows have created safety hazards and intrude upon the historic setting and ultimately the visitor experience.
In 2000, the park opened a tour stop at the Jackson Flank Area on the Chancellorsville Battlefield. Utilizing an existing former residential driveway, visitors access the site directly off of State Route 3. With increased traffic along Route 3, it has become dangerous for visitors to make the turn into the driveway.
The park proposes to use monies supplied by the Federal Highways Administration to rehabilitate and resurface park roads, parking areas and driving tour-stops on the Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville Battlefields, as well as at Chatham Manor.
Under the guidelines of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, FRSP is soliticing public comments on this project. Written comments, either through this website or via postal letter, will be accepted only during the 30 day public review period.
Contact Information
Eric J. MinkHistorian and Cultural Resources Manager
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP
120 Chatham Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Eric_Mink@nps.gov