Park Project Page

A map showing the towpath detours around the Paw Paw Tunnel and boardwalk closure.

Joe Reed | NPS

Paw Paw Tunnel Rock Scaling and Pinning Project

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) is conducting a rock scaling project along the towpath at the northern or downstream portal of the Paw Paw Tunnel (Mile 155.2).

Go to our Paw Paw Tunnel Rock Scaling and Pinning Project page for more information on the project and its scope.

 

Reconstructing Lock 3

NPS

Restoration in Georgetown

Construction is Underway on Locks 3 and 4

The C&O Canal National Historical Park is excited to begin the process of restoring the Georgetown C&O Canal area. Site preparations began on October 5th with the removal of the Georgetown Canal Boat from the Canal.

The work on lock 3 will involve dissembling and rebuilding the foundation and walls of the lock using original and added stone. New lock gates will be installed for lock 3.

Repairs to lock 4 will involve repairs to the existing walls and repairing of mortar joints. New lock gates will be installed for Lock 4.

Explore construction updates including images.

 

The re-watered Conococheague Aqueduct.

NPS | Stephanie Spencer

Conococheague Aqueduct Restoration Project

For the first time since 1924, the historic Conococheague Aqueduct is fully operational, allowing a canal boat to pass over Conococheague Creek. Williamsport is now the only place in North America where visitors can view a variety of canal features in one place, including an operational lift lock and refurbished lockhouse, a railroad lift bridge, a canal turning basin and warehouse, and now a watered aqueduct.

Eventually, the entire section of the C&O Canal in Williamsport will be restored to its 1920s appearance so it can tell the story of this important time in American history. Go to the Conococheague Aqueduct Restoration page to learn more about the construction, access route changes, and the history of the aqueduct.

 

 

Great Falls Tavern and Lock 19, where part of the project will take place

Photo | Steve Dean

Repair Watered Structures Locks 5-22 Project

Construction is anticipated to begin on or about December 4, 2017 and extend until spring 2019 (weather dependent). Project work will focus on eight different areas between Little Falls and Swains Lock.

Work will take place at the following areas in the Palisades District of the C&O Canal: Swains Lock (MP 16.9 Breach), Great Falls Tavern (Level #20 and Lock #19), Olmsted Island (Lock #18 and Lock #17), Carderock (Culvert #15), Lock #10 (Rock Run Culvert) and Level #7.

These improvements will help the park's historic structures withstand impacts from Potomac River floods and make the features easier to maintain. For more information about the project, visit the Repair Watered Structures Locks 5-22 Project page.