The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that a portion of GW Parkway could close due to “bad weather” this winter.
“As winter approaches, construction on the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project continues with narrower lane widths and a reversible-lane traffic pattern. Bad weather could shift the reversible lane schedule or close the parkway. Drivers should be aware of the following and plan accordingly.”
More on the project, per the NPS: “The NPS in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, continue the process of rehabilitating the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP). The project will involve road and bridge work from Spout Run Parkway to Interstate 495.
The northern section of the parkway which was originally completed in 1962 has never undergone major rehabilitation. This is the busiest section of parkway, serving about 26 million drivers annually. Through the rehabilitation of this historic parkway, which was established as a recreation and environmental conservation area to serve pleasure traffic, the NPS will ensure that the parkway remains a viable, critical link in the regional transportation network, as well as a national park.
The project will retain and revive the historic beauty and significance of the parkway – including opening scenic views to Washington, D.C – while updating aspects of it to improve the driving experience, safety and water drainage. This project which is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) includes:
- replacing the asphalt pavement
- redesigning of the Route 123 interchange
- repairing stormwater management systems
- reconstructing stone walls and roadside barriers
- rehabilitating the historic overlooks
- lengthening entrance and exit lanes at some interchanges
- and re-open historic views along the parkway
This project will ensure that this historic parkway will continue to provide a safe, scenic and smooth experience for those who are using it to connect to our nation’s history or as a way to get to and from our nation’s capital.”
