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Olmsted bridge and the Great Falls  Tavern Visitor Center welcome at least a million visitors each year.

NPS Photo | Monica Larcom

Olmsted Island Bridge to Close mid-February

Great Falls Overlook to close during construction

Starting mid-to-late February, the Olmsted Bridge and Great Falls Overlook will be temporarily closing near the Great Falls Tavern visitor center near Potomac, MD
for repairs that will improve our visitor and staff safety and better protect park resources.

Work on the bridge and overlook is expected to to last 90-120 days with completion and re-opening in late June. Future press releases will communicate the exact closure date and construction progress. Completion of construction may be impacted by weather conditions.
Go to the Olmsted Bridge Closure page to learn more about the construction that will be taking place and the history of the bridge and project.

You can also read the initial Olmsted Bridge Closure Press Release.

 

Paw Paw Tunnel Rock Scaling and Pinning Project

The closure of the tunnel is expected to happen early April the beginning of June.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) will be performing a rock scaling project along the towpath at the northern or downstream portal of the Paw Paw Tunnel (Mile 155.2) starting early April 2017.

Read the updated Paw Paw Tunnel Project press release.

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

 

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

Joe Reed | NPS

 

 

Restoration work on Lock 3

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.

 

Workers restoring the Cotoctin Creek aqueduct near mile marker 51 in 2011

NPS

Conococheague Aqueduct Restoration Project

An historic restoration of the Conococheague aqueduct in Williamsport begins this summer! The restoration will close the towpath upstream of the Cushwa Basin for the duration of the project.

The project will restore the aqueduct piers, “trunk,” and towpath to protect this historic resource. The project will also re-water the canal through the aqueduct, providing a unique visitor experience.The project will begin in early summer 2017 and is expected to require 18 months to complete. The aqueduct and towpath will close once the contractor begins on-site work. Go to the Conococheague Aqueduct Project page to learn more about the construction that will be taking place and the history of the bridge and project. More information is also provided in the Conococheague Aqueduct Restoration Groundbreaking Ceremony press release.