News Release

Colonial NHP holding public meeting about major upcoming parkway rehabilitation project

Colonial Parkway in fall.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 8, 2023

Contact: John Warren, 215-908-3159

Williamsburg, Va. -- The public is invited to learn more about the upcoming extensive rehabilitation project for the Colonial Parkway in Colonial National Historical Park. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund is providing approximately $123 million for the first major, holistic rehabilitation project for the parkway since its full length opened to traffic in 1957. Necessary repairs from Milepost (MP) 0.17 to MP 1.61 and MP 6.02 to MP 14.88 are scheduled to begin in August 2023 and last three years. 

“Once this work is completed, park visitors and the local community will benefit from a safer scenic parkway for years to come,” said Superintendent Jerri Marr. “We appreciate motorists' patience during the rehabilitation project and will do our best to reduce driver inconveniences without sacrificing the quality of this vital work.”

Those interested in learning more about the construction project and its timeline are invited to attend an informational public meeting on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. The meeting will be held at:

Quarterpath Recreation Center
Multi-Purpose Room 2
202 Quarterpath Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185

The meeting will be open house format, with brief presentations at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Those unable to attend in person will be able to review the information after the meeting on the project's website.

The upcoming work includes the rehabilitation of approximately 10 miles of parkway and 11 bridges, including the replacement of two bridge decks, and repairs to the Williamsburg Tunnel. Original historic fabric and materials will be preserved in place when possible and replicated where replaced. Approximately 60 percent of the pavement surface in these segments will be replaced. The project will also address serious deficiencies in access ramps, drainage structures, road shoulders, signs, and guardrails. Rehabilitation of the stormwater drainage systems and improvements achieved by incorporating best management practices will decrease erosional impacts to cultural and natural resources associated with the Chesapeake Bay. The project was awarded to the Wagman/JMT Design Build Team for a total of approximately $123 million in March 2023.

GAOA is part of a concerted national effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in America’s national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks that will ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors. 

The Colonial Parkway Rehabilitation website will be updated with important project news and information regarding closures, detours and other impacts.
 

-NPS-

About Colonial National Historical Park: Colonial National Historical Park comprises two areas. Jamestown is where the English established their first colony in North America in 1607. Yorktown is where American and French troops defeated the British in the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War on October 19, 1781. Learn more at www.nps.gov/colo.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 424 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.