The county abandoned Ellis Run, now BOS reviewing the case

What’s going on with Fringer Trail and Ellis Run in the Buchanan area? Fringer Trail has been an issue for the Board of Supervisors for decades, as the road floods and is difficult to maintain.

In 2013, the Board and the Virginia Department of Transportation agreed to vacate Rt. 644, known as Ellis Run Lane, and stop maintaining that portion of roadway.

At the October 27 meeting, Thomas A. Wilbon III and Gary W. McFarland, Sr. asked the Supervisors to remove a 0.375 mile portion of Ellis Run Lane (State Route 644) from the county’s Transportation Map and formally vacate the right-of-way in light of the earlier decision of the state and county to no longer maintain Ellis Run Lane.

However, folks who live on Fringer Trail say Ellis Run Lane is sometimes the only way they have to get out when snow and ice block Fringer Trail. Lois Bisese told the supervisors that without access to Ellis Run Lane, she and her family have been unable to leave their home for periods of time because of weather. She told the supervisors she was concerned about the inability of emergency services to reach her home and the homes of others who lived nearby.

Buchanan District Supervisor Ray Sloan presented a petition signed by 31 homeowners requesting review of Fringer Trail and Ellis Run Road.

The supervisors decided they needed to look at the road for themselves before making a decision, and tabled the matter for up to 90 days.

                                   — Anita Firebaugh, Special to the Botetourt Bee, Photo The Botetourt Bee