News Release

Little Tonoloway Bridge construction and closures to begin

Date: November 17, 2020
Contact: Hollie Lynch, 301-491-0149

HANCOCK, Md. — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park will close the Little Tonoloway Bridge to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic on or about Thursday, Nov. 19. The closure is for the NPS to replace the bridge. NPS expects to open the new bridge in mid-December, but that schedule may change if there is bad weather.

During construction, the bridge will be closed to all traffic. Visitors can use an alternate crossing 0.3 miles downstream. The nearest alternative boat ramps are approximately 25 minutes away at Fifteenmile Creek to the west and McCoy’s Ferry to the east. Check online to see recreational opportunities at each milepost along the canal. This closure does not affect the towpath or through riders on the towpath.

To establish a safe working area for a crane during construction, the NPS will temporarily close one lane on Berm Road which is next to the Little Tonoloway Day Use area.

The NPS closed the bridge to vehicle traffic after a routine inspection in Nov. 2019. The bridge leads to the Little Tonoloway Day Use and Recreation Area and features parking, restrooms, and a picnic area. The day use area will all remain accessible during construction.

For any questions, please call 301-739-4200, option 0, to speak with park staff, or check online for bridge project updates. For park information visit the park website www.nps.gov/choh.

- NPS -

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures. Learn more at www.nps.gov/choh.