Exploring Eight Captivating Ghost Towns in Southern West Virginia

Southern West Virginia, October 20, 2025

Southern West Virginia is home to eight remarkable ghost towns, each steeped in rich history and captivating stories. From deserted mining communities to forsaken settlements, these locations provide eerie adventures that entice both history buffs and thrill-seekers. Discover the lingering spirits of the past and the fascinating narratives that breathe life into these abandoned sites, making them a must-visit for any adventurer or history lover looking to explore the region’s intriguing heritage.

Richmond, Virginia

Richmond’s “gun hole” sidewalk segment becomes museum artifact

A unique piece of Richmond history—a sidewalk segment with a gun-shaped impression—has been added to the Valentine Museum’s collection. The artifact, known locally as “Richmond’s viral gun hole,” was discovered on South Addison Street, where it had existed largely unnoticed for about 20 years. When the area underwent repairs in May, the partially broken segment was preserved and acquired by the museum. Now, it will be featured in the “This Is Richmond, Virginia” exhibition, a rotating display highlighting artifacts that tell the city’s story. The exhibition opens on Tuesday, October 21, at the Valentine Museum.

Henrico County, Virginia

GreenCity Arena project progresses with construction plans

The GreenCity Arena, a proposed 17,000-seat indoor sports and entertainment venue, is moving forward in Henrico County. The $250 million project is slated for completion in 2026 and will be located at the former Best Products headquarters site. The arena aims to serve as a central hub for various events and activities in the region.

Eastern Shore of Virginia

Construction begins on Eastern Shore Rail Trail

Construction has commenced on the Eastern Shore of Virginia Rail Trail, a dedicated 49.1-mile bicycle and pedestrian path. The trail will span Northampton and Accomack Counties, running from Cape Charles to Hallwood along the former Bay Coast Railroad right-of-way. The first 3.5-mile segment, extending from downtown Cape Charles to U.S. Route 13 and Cheriton, began in April 2025 and is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.

Off the Coast of Virginia Beach

Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project under construction

The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project is under construction approximately 24 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. Developed by Dominion Energy, this offshore wind farm is set to be the largest in the U.S., covering 112,800 acres with a capacity of 2.6 gigawatts. The project aims to generate electricity equivalent to the consumption of 660,000 homes and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Manassas Park, Virginia

New parking garage under construction at Manassas Park station

A 540-space parking garage is under construction at the Manassas Park station, a Virginia Railway Express station in Manassas Park. The $34.6 million project is expected to be completed by late 2025, providing additional parking facilities for commuters in the area.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Atlantic Park development progresses with wave pool installation

The Atlantic Park development in Virginia Beach is advancing, with the installation of the wave pool expected in October 2025. The $350 million project, a collaboration between music and fashion superstar Pharrell Williams and Venture Realty Group, includes a surf lagoon, a 3,500-person amphitheater, 300 apartments, and over 100,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and office space. The wave pool is anticipated to open in May 2025, and the amphitheater, known as “The Dome,” is set to be completed for a May 2025 opening.

Newport News, Virginia

Seafood Industrial Park undergoes harbor dredging and dock replacements

The northern portion of Newport News’ longstanding seafood harbor is set to undergo harbor dredging, dock replacements, and the installation of a seafood market. These projects are expected to commence construction between January and July 2025. The improvements aim to enhance the harbor’s capacity and facilities for the seafood industry.

Norfolk, Virginia

Fusion @ NEON Apartments project underway in Norfolk’s Neon District

Norfolk real estate developer Marathon Development Group is building a 239-unit, $50 million apartment complex on West Olney Road, part of Norfolk’s Neon District. The apartment complex will contain studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 498 to 1,733 square feet. The project is expected to contribute to the revitalization of the Neon District.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Housing promotes 3D-printed homes to address housing crisis

Virginia Housing, the state’s housing agency, is promoting the use of 3D printing technology to address the housing crisis. The agency has issued a $1.1 million grant to Virginia Tech to bring a 3D printer to construction sites and build 10 affordable homes in conjunction with commercial builders. The initiative aims to demonstrate the viability of 3D-printed homes and encourage their adoption in the state’s housing development efforts.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia begins 2024 Building Code Development Cycle

The Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD) has officially started the 2024 Code Development Cycle, a multi-year process to update Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The Code Development Cycle is the industry’s opportunity to shape Virginia’s next building code by submitting code change proposals, attending code hearings and providing public comment, and offering technical expertise to the Home Builders Association of Virginia’s (HBAV) advocacy team.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance announces 2025 Aggregate Safety & Operations Seminar

The Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) has announced the 2025 Aggregate Safety & Operations Seminar, scheduled for December 10-11, 2025. The seminar aims to address safety and operational challenges in the transportation construction industry and provide a platform for professionals to discuss best practices and innovations.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance announces 2025 Dialogue with the Hampton Roads District

The Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) has announced the 2025 Dialogue with the Hampton Roads District, scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The event aims to foster communication and collaboration between transportation construction professionals and the Hampton Roads District to address regional challenges and opportunities.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance announces 2025 Dialogue with the Culpeper & Fredericksburg Districts

The Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) has announced the 2025 Dialogue with the Culpeper & Fredericksburg Districts, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025. The event aims to foster communication and collaboration between transportation construction professionals and the Culpeper & Fredericksburg Districts to address regional challenges and opportunities.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia celebrates Women in Construction Week

Virginia is celebrating Women in Construction Week as part of Women’s History Month. Across the United States, women make up about 11% of the construction industry workforce. In Virginia, that number sits at 12.5%. The celebration aims to recognize and promote the contributions of women in the construction industry.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Tech lays foundation for Coalition for Smart Construction

Virginia Tech is laying the foundation for its Coalition for Smart Construction by inspiring collective brainstorming among industry and government leaders. The initiative aims to reimagine how people live, work, and play in the built environment by fostering collaboration and innovation in the construction industry.

Statewide, Virginia

Atlantic Gateway project includes road and rail improvements

The Atlantic Gateway is a planned infrastructure improvement project in Virginia that will expand transportation routes leading into Washington, D.C. from Virginia. It includes road and rail components, with construction planned to take place through the end of the 2010s and into the early 2020s. The project aims to alleviate congestion and improve transportation efficiency in the region.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Department of Transportation announces weekly traffic alerts

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced weekly traffic alerts for various districts, including the Hampton Roads District, Culpeper District, Staunton District, and Bristol District. These alerts provide information on scheduled construction and maintenance work, lane closures, and other traffic-related updates to keep the public informed about road conditions and potential disruptions.

Statewide, Virginia

Shirley Contracting selected for Western Area Infrastructure Improvements Project

Chesterfield County has selected Shirley Contracting Company, LLC as the lead contractor for the Western Area Infrastructure Improvements Project. The project includes the construction of a four-lane roadway connecting Duval Road to Westerleigh Parkway, a bridge over Horsepen Creek, and the widening of Duval Road to improve traffic flow and access to new public schools in the area.

Statewide, Virginia

Shirley’s Big Beam Weekend on the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) Project

In late January 2025, crews worked 54 consecutive hours over a single “Big Beam Weekend” to install 10 massive girders across Interstate 495 in Virginia, with the largest girder spanning 295 feet. This significant milestone is part of the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) Project, which aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the region.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia celebrates Women in Construction Week

Virginia is celebrating Women in Construction Week as part of Women’s History Month. Across the United States, women make up about 11% of the construction industry workforce. In Virginia, that number sits at 12.5%. The celebration aims to recognize and promote the contributions of women in the construction industry.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Tech lays foundation for Coalition for Smart Construction

Virginia Tech is laying the foundation for its Coalition for Smart Construction by inspiring collective brainstorming among industry and government leaders. The initiative aims to reimagine how people live, work, and play in the built environment by fostering collaboration and innovation in the construction industry.

Statewide, Virginia

Atlantic Gateway project includes road and rail improvements

The Atlantic Gateway is a planned infrastructure improvement project in Virginia that will expand transportation routes leading into Washington, D.C. from Virginia. It includes road and rail components, with construction planned to take place through the end of the 2010s and into the early 2020s. The project aims to alleviate congestion and improve transportation efficiency in the region.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia begins 2024 Building Code Development Cycle

The Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD) has officially started the 2024 Code Development Cycle, a multi-year process to update Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The Code Development Cycle is the industry’s opportunity to shape Virginia’s next building code by submitting code change proposals, attending code hearings and providing public comment, and offering technical expertise to the Home Builders Association of Virginia’s (HBAV) advocacy team.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance announces 2025 Aggregate Safety & Operations Seminar

The Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) has announced the 2025 Aggregate Safety & Operations Seminar, scheduled for December 10-11, 2025. The seminar aims to address safety and operational challenges in the transportation construction industry and provide a platform for professionals to discuss best practices and innovations.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance announces 2025 Dialogue with the Hampton Roads District

The Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) has announced the 2025 Dialogue with the Hampton Roads District, scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The event aims to foster communication and collaboration between transportation construction professionals and the Hampton Roads District to address regional challenges and opportunities.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance announces 2025 Dialogue with the Culpeper & Fredericksburg Districts

The Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA) has announced the 2025 Dialogue with the Culpeper & Fredericksburg Districts, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025. The event aims to foster communication and collaboration between transportation construction professionals and the Culpeper & Fredericksburg Districts to address regional challenges and opportunities.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia celebrates Women in Construction Week

Virginia is celebrating Women in Construction Week as part of Women’s History Month. Across the United States, women make up about 11% of the construction industry workforce. In Virginia, that number sits at 12.5%. The celebration aims to recognize and promote the contributions of women in the construction industry.

Statewide, Virginia

Virginia Tech lays foundation for Coalition for Smart Construction

Virginia Tech is laying the foundation for its Coalition for Smart Construction by inspiring collective brainstorming among industry and government leaders. The initiative aims to reimagine how people live, work, and play in the built environment by fostering collaboration and innovation in the construction industry.

Statewide, Virginia

Atlantic Gateway project includes road and rail improvements

The Atlantic Gateway is a planned infrastructure improvement project in Virginia that will expand transportation routes leading into Washington, D.C. from Virginia. It includes road and rail components, with construction planned to take place through the end of the 2010s and into the early 2020s. The project aims to alleviate congestion and improve transportation efficiency in the region.

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Author: VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER

The VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionvanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and the Home Builders Association of Virginia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Williams Mullen. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.