CWL #2 - WB&A to Anacostia Connector Trail

This is the second project on my 12 item Christmas wish list for DC biking projects.

#2 Connecting the WB&A trail to the Anacostia Trail system

Cost: Unknown
Status: Mentioned in Metropolitan Washington Greenways Report 2000
Probability: Low
Comments: The WB&A trail is one of my local favorites (the bridge over the ConRail line is amazing), but right now it doesn't connect to anything. In the far distant future there are plans to complete it and connect it to the B&A trail, but right now the two pieces of the WB&A aren't even connected (though they should be by the end of 2006). Using neighborhood streets or the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, the WB&A could be connected to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System at the Northeast Branch Trail. Right now the American Discovery Trail has a route to get from one to the other, but it isn't very appealing or well marked. A sign alerting riders of a connector route, a map at each trail showing how to get to the other, and simple trail-blazes is a minimum. Building an off road trail (and the land is there to do so) would be preferable. Alternatively, connecting the trail to New Carrolton Metro could give the trail a better role for commuters.