NPS | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Professional Services Division
NPS anticipates mobilization for construction to begin on our about September 17, 2025. Construction will continue into Winter 2025/26. At the start of the project, the bridge and stairway will close for a approximently two weeks begining September 22, 2025 (weather dependant) while crews build a temporary stairwell. During that time, a shuttle will run between C&O Canal Lock 34 and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center. The shuttle will run during normal operating hours 9:00AM – 6:30PM – 7 days a week. The shuttle will not operate during days of inclement weather (ex. ice, snow, etc.). The temporary stairs are expected to open on Friday, October 3, 2025, at which time the shuttle will stop running. In addition to the NPS provided shuttle, several National Park Service Commercial Use Authorization holders have shuttle services available that can accomodate both hikers and bicyclist. Reservations, fees, and arrangements must be made directly with those businesses. For more information on those shuttle options please call: River & Trail Outfitters 301-834-9950 At the end of the construction the shuttle service will again be activated so the temporary stairway can be removed. During construction, deliveries of construction materials/equipment will hauled in on the C&O Canal Towpath between Lock 34 and Lock 33 – visitors should heed any flaggers and signage during hauling operations. The existing stairway and walkway were dedicated in 1987. The stairway is at the end of its life cycle and is in need of replacement. The existing structure has been subjected to scour, debris flows, and flooding from the Potomac River; the new stairway has been designed to address greater anticipated frequency and magnitude of flooding. This project seeks to improve the quality of this heavily-traveled connection by installing a new access stairway to carry foot and bicycle traffic between the C&O Canal Towpath and the Byron Bridge. The new stairway will include an improved tread surface, a bike ramp, deep foundations to resist river scour, stabilization of the area around the structure to resist erosion during future floods, and will allow for two-way traffic (upward and downward). 
NPS | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Professional Services Division 
NPS | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Professional Services Division 
NPS | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Professional Services Division 
NPS | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Professional Services Division CURRENT DETOURS AND CLOSURES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)What is the need for the project?The existing stairway has been in service since its original dedication in 1987 and has reached the end of its service life. The existing stairway is narrow and difficult to traverse with two-way traffic and loaded bicycles. The existing historic stone revetment adjacent to the stairway has been weakened by water impacts from the Potomac River, and the towpath in this area is prone to washouts during moderate to high flood events. This is a high-traffic trail connection that is in need of attention to address deferred maintenance and provide a sustainable and resilient structure.
What does the project include?The project consists of removing existing vegetation growing out of the historic stone walls and revetments, establishing a temporary construction staging area in the canal and on the shoulder of the towpath, drilling deep foundations (micro-piles) into bedrock, pouring concrete substructures connecting the deep foundations to the steel stairway structure, fabricating/installing the steel stairway, and restoring the site (including repairing the existing revetment walls for erosion resistance during future floods). The new stairs will be more user-friendly for the visitors who hike, bike, and otherwise enjoy this section of the trail. While the new stairway will be more climate resilient, the towpath is likely to continue to experience overtopping during moderate to high flood events, necessitating future closure of the stairway during bad weather. Where will the project take place?This project will take place at approximately mile 60.6 of the Chesapeake &Ohio Canal National Historical Park (CHOH) towpath, directly to the East of Harper Ferry National Historical Park (HAFE) on the East bank of the Potomac River. The project will have shared construction and pedestrian access from Lock 34 (CHOH mile 61.6) to the stairway (mile 60.6). The project is located approximately 5.6 miles upstream from Brunswick, Maryland, and approximately 12 miles downstream from Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and Sharpsburg, Maryland When will the project begin and end?NPS anticipates mobilization for construction to begin on our about September 17, 2025. Construction will continue into Winter 2025/26. At the start of the project, the bridge and stairway will close for a approximently two weeks begining September 22, 2025 (weather dependant) while crews build a temporary stairwell. How will this project impact park visitors?To facilitate the work, the stairway at mile marker 60.6 connecting the C&O Canal Towpath to the Byron Bridge pedestrian bridge and Byron Bridge itself will be CLOSED. During the stairway closure, there will be a shuttle service provided from Lock 34 to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center. How will this project benefit park visitors?Once the project is complete, the stairway will be more resistant to erosion during floods, have improved quality of use for this critical trail connection, and create a safer visitor experience. How will this project impact natural and cultural resources?Every project the NPS executes undergoes review by a multidisciplinary team to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other federal, state, and local laws. What is the park doing to protect those resources during the project?NPS resource protection experts, engineers, and the contractor’s team will be monitoring the stone revetments, historic structures, adjacent bridge piers, and towpath, along with contractor’s operations and visitor safety during the project with the goal of safely protecting the environment surrounding the project. Every project undertaken by the NPS is conducted in compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other regulations. How much does the project cost?The current construction contract has a total cost of $2.6 million that is funded by the National Park Service and Transportation Alternative Program Grant from the State of Maryland. Who can I contact if I have further questions regarding the project?Additional questions about this project can be directed to the C&O Canal National Historical Park headquarters at 301-739-4200. Additional questions about trail access in and around Harpers Ferry can be directed to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park at 304 535-6029. Additional questions about the Appalachian National Scenic Trail can be directed to 304 535-6278. 
NPS | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Professional Services Division 
NPS | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Professional Services Division 
NPS | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Professional Services Division |
Last updated: October 14, 2025