New Bridge Improves Access Along Broad Run Trail

Calling all hikers! The newly installed Rocky Branch Bridge at Broad Run Trail is now open! The bridge restores an important trail connection across Broad Run in the Braemar/Dunbarton community. The original bridge, installed in 2012–2013, was washed out during a major flooding event in July 2018.

“It’s a great day to be outside on a trail!” said Janet Bartnik, acting director for Prince William County Parks and Recreation, as she welcomed attendees to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This bridge is a great example of how the built environment plays a big role in building health in a community, and judging by the number of folks here today from Kingsbrooke I can tell you having a trail close to the neighborhood I hope is something that will help enhance the health of the community members in Kingsbrooke, Dunbarton and the other neighborhoods nearby.”

Construction for the project began in October 2025 and was completed in June 2026, with a total project investment of approximately $858,000.

Replacing the bridge required significant redesign and environmental review to create a more resilient structure. The new 55-foot-long, 6-foot-wide bridge includes a deep foundation system designed to better withstand future flooding and reduce the risk of another washout. Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects were contracted for the design and engineering, and PBS Contracting for construction.

“With the bridge now complete, this long-awaited project restores a valuable community trail connection and provides a safer, more durable crossing for years to come,” added Bartnik.

Brentsville District Supervisory Tom Gordy also gave brief remarks and spoke about the significance of the bridge connecting the community.

“Broad Run Linear Park, and this new bridge to connect the trails actually allows us to connect to one another to help us build that real sense of community. And it does it in a way that helps us maintain our health, our quality of life, it gets us out away from a lot of the noise and into a quiet place to experience these beautiful creeks, the birds, the animals, the flora—it’s a wonderful place to escape.”

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