2019 erosion of roadway at Fletchers Cove Access Road. The completion of the repair work will improve safety and restore the sustainability of the roadway.
NPS | Joe Reed, Park Engineer
The access road under the towpath and canal between the upper and lower parking lot of Fletchers Cove (near mile 3.1) is open.
The lower parking lot of Fletchers Cove is open.
The park has awarded a construction contract to repair damages caused by a flash flood that resulted in high intensity rainfall on July 8, 2019. During the rainfall event, the existing stormwater drainage system was overcome, causing damage to National Park Service (NPS) infrastructure. This project will repair stormwater drainage features (swales, pipes, drainage channels, and underdrain systems), stabilize bridges and roadways supporting traffic along the access road to the lower Fletchers Cove Parking Lot, and repave damaged road surfaces.
This area of the park has a rich history, including original canal locks directly adjacent to the work area that date back to the late 1790s, a historic roadway associated with the canal, a road culvert constructed by the canal company in the 1920s, and other historic resources. The existing drainage features that will be repaired date back to the late 1960s.
Completed repairs to the Fletchers Cove Access Road
NPS | C&O Canal Professional Services Division
CURRENT DETOURS AND CLOSURES
The access road under the towpath and canal between the upper and lower parking lot of Fletchers Cove (near mile 3.1) is open. The lower parking lot of Fletchers Cove is open.
2019 Erosion at Drainage Feature adjacent to Fletchers Cove Access Road. The completion of the repair work will improve safety and restore the sustainability of the drainage features.
NPS | Joe Reed, Park Engineer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is the need for the project?
There is existing erosion of drainage channels/features that threatens to undermine the access road. Damaged drainage and underdrain pipes, voids at the foundation of one of the bridges, and damaged pavement/gravel roadway surfaces are present which need to be remediated. Without repair, these systems will continue to degrade, impacting access along the existing roadway and potentially damaging historic features.
What does the project include?
This project will repair stormwater drainage features (swales, pipes, drainage channels, and underdrain systems), stabilize bridges and roadways supporting traffic along the access to the lower Fletchers Cove Parking Lot, and repave damaged road surfaces. Traffic control will also be provided to close the access road during construction (Monday – Friday) to facilitate the repairs.
Where will the project take place?
This project will take place along the access road and road culvert under the Canal and Capital Crescent Trail at Fletchers Cove (mile 3.1). This project is located in Washington, DC.
When will the project begin and end?
The project began November 28, 2023, and continued through Spring 2024.
How will this project impact park visitors?
The road is OPEN.
The towpath, Capital Crescent Trail, and restrooms at Fletcher's Cove will remain open for use!
How will this project benefit park visitors?
The completion of this repair work will improve safety, reduce impacts of future storms, stabilize/preserve historic resources, and provide for reliable access through the tunnel and into the lower parking lot of Fletchers Cove. The work will make the park more resilient to flooding and climate associated hazards. Many existing damages - such as washouts, erosion, and damaged transportation infrastructure - will be repaired to result in a better 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 and towpath work along this stretch of the 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 is the project funded?
This project is being funded through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program under interagency agreement between National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration – Eastern Federal Lands. The construction contract was awarded for a total cost of $574,825.
Who can I contact if I have further questions regarding the project?
Additional questions are to be directed to the park headquarters at 301-739-4200.
2019 Erosion of roadway at Fletchers Cove Access Road. The completion of the repair work will improve safety and restore the sustainability of the roadway.
