The Pipeline Trail in Richmond has been officially closed due to ongoing safety concerns stemming from aging infrastructure, including a combined sewer pipe that has been linked to multiple sewage leaks. The Department of Public Utilities emphasized that repairs have highlighted various safety hazards, leading to a recommendation against public access to the trail and nearby beach areas. City officials are currently exploring long-term solutions for the trail, which has been a popular recreational area for nearly 50 years. Although recent repairs have halted water flow through the pipe, the timeline for potential reopening remains unclear, with the possibility of a permanent closure being considered. Residents are advised to use alternative access points to the James River. The city has maintained its commitment to improving the river's safety and quality for recreation despite these challenges.