Park Project Page

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

NPS Photo

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 Photo

Restoration in Georgetown

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.

 

 

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.

 

Newly resurfaced section of towpath at the Monocacy Aqueduct in Montgomery County.

NPS Photo

Towpath Resurfacing Project

Visitors will see towpath resurfacing taking place between Whites Ferry (Mile 35) and Brunswick (Mile 54) over the next few months. This is phase 2 of a multi-year plan to resurface some of the worst sections of towpath along the canal. When completed, visitors will be able to enjoy nearly 43 miles of resurfaced towpath between Montgomery and Frederick counties. The next phase of work is estimated to begin next fall in Cumberland.

These improvements will create a smoother, safer visit for the park's nearly 5 million visitors per year. For more information, please visit our Towpath Resurfacing Project page.