Poolesville, Md. — On Thursday, Jan. 7, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park will close the Edwards Ferry (Lock 25) Bridge to vehicle traffic. The bridge will remain open to bicyclists and pedestrians. During a recent inspection, engineers discovered the bridge‘s steel is in a state of advanced corrosion, and some parts of the support structure have rusted through. The bridge carries Edward’s Ferry Road over the historic stone lock and canal to a boat ramp located along the Potomac River. The park and amenities, such as the lock house and vault toilets, remain open to recreational use.
The National Park Service is in the process of designing a temporary support system so that we can reopen the bridge, and we hope to install it later this winter. Design for a long-term repair to replace the bridge is also underway.
The nearest alternative boat ramps are approximately 20 minutes away at Seneca Aqueduct to the south and Monocacy Aqueduct to the north. 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.
For any questions, please call 301-739-4200, option 0, to speak with park staff. For park information visit the park website www.nps.gov/choh.
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