Colonial Parkway Rehabilitation Project

Yorktown Creek Bridge: original 1955 construction (left); deck demolition in 2025 (center); deck replacement 2026 (right).

NPS Photo

 

In 2023, the National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), launched a four-year, $123 million project to restore the historic Colonial Parkway.

Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), this once-in-a-generation investment will restore and extend the life of approximately 10 miles of the Colonial Parkway. The work includes:

• Rehabilitating pavement and shoulders
• Repairing 11 bridges and the Williamsburg Tunnel
• Improving drainage and stormwater systems
• Upgrading signs and guardrails

—all while preserving the aesthetic integrity and historic character that makes this road so unique.

The Parkway Rehabilitation is in its final phase

We anticipate that some sections will be completed and reopened by summer of 2026, with the entire Parkway reopening by late fall of 2026. We will announce these openings on the project webpage and through email updates. Please continue to check back on this page as your primary source for updates and information.

From June 10 through July 6, 2026, construction on the Colonial Parkway from Ballard Street to Penniman Road (at Rt. 199) will pause. This section will temporarily reopen to accommodate increased visitation for this summer’s Signature 250^th events, including the Sail Yorktown Festival and July 4th activities. After these events, the area will close again so construction can resume and remain on schedule for completion in late fall 2026.

We truly appreciate the public’s patience and support as we undertake these once-in-a-generation improvements. Our priority remains delivering a high-quality Parkway that will serve the public for years to come. We look forward to welcoming you back later this year to once again enjoy the scenic and historic Colonial Parkway experience.

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Current Detour Map

The following map shows the current detours and closures. We ask all travelers to follow all posted detour and caution signs and remain alert for workers, equipment, and changing traffic patterns. Your cooperation helps keep both crews and visitors safe while this important work is underway.

 

Colonial Parkway Detour Map

NPS Graphic

 

Current Project Timeline & Map

 

NPS

Below is the anticipated timeline for segment openings and closures.

Please note: from June 10 through July 6, 2026, construction on the Colonial Parkway from Ballard Street to Penniman Road (at Rt. 199) will pause, and this section will temporarily reopen to accommodate the significant visitation anticipated for this summer’s Signature 250th events, including the Sail Yorktown Festival (June 12–14) and July 4th festivities. After these events, the area will close again so construction can resume to help ensure project completion by late fall 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

Workers stand on a makeshift bridge and use pressure washers to expose the aggregate in newly poured slabs, creating the historic exposed‑aggregate finish.

NPS

Construction Update - June 2026

We are excited to report crews have made substantial progress across the project.

As of Wednesday, June 10:

• All work in the section between Ballard Street and Fusiliers Redoubt Ramp in Yorktown(Segment A) is complete and the section of the Parkway is now open.
• Work in the section between Fusiliers Redoubt Ramp and Penniman Road (at Rt. 199) (Segments B – F) will pause and this section will temporarily open to provide access to accommodate the significant visitation anticipated for this summer’s Signature 250th events, including the Sail Yorktown Festival (June 12–14) and July 4th festivities. After these events, the area will close again so construction can resume to help ensure project completion by late fall 2026.

We remain on schedule to complete the full project by late fall of 2026.

The latest status of each segment:

• Segment A (Ballard Street to Fusiliers Redoubt Ramp): All work is complete and the section is now open.
• Segments D&E (Felgates Creek to Penniman Road): Work is paused and temporarily open. Expected to close again after July 6 so construction can resume and remain on schedule for completion in late fall 2026.
• Segment F (Penniman Road to Parkway Drive): Penniman Rd to Parkway Dr remains closed as work to rehabilitate Jones Mill Pond Dam is ongoing.
• In Segment G1 (Newport Avenue to Route 199): Crews continue constructing new concrete pavement panels.
• In Segment G2 (Parkway Drive to Newport Avenue): All work is complete and section is now open.

Below is the latest status of the additional projects within the Parkway Project Corridor:

• Jones Mill Pond Dam: Crews are working on grading and stabilizing the downstream slope of the dam as well as cleaning and repairing the spillway’s historic brick masonry.
• Additional Bridges: Work on the Mine Depot Road Bridge will resume after July 6.

Project FAQS

What is the Colonial Parkway Rehabilitation Project?

The Colonial Parkway Rehabilitation Project is a once‑in‑a‑generation investment to restore and extend the life of approximately 10 miles of the Colonial Parkway. Much of the Parkway’s infrastructure is approaching 90 years old, and comprehensive rehabilitation is needed to address aging systems, improve safety, and preserve its historic character.

The project includes:

• Rehabilitating pavement and shoulders
• Repairing 11 bridges and the Williamsburg Tunnel
• Improving drainage and stormwater systems
• Upgrading signs and guardrails

—all while preserving the aesthetic integrity and historic character that makes this road so unique.

Rehabilitation work will:

• Eliminate hazards such as potholes and settlement
• Strengthen bridges and drainage systems
• Improve tunnel lighting
• Preserve the Parkway’s iconic appearance

The result will be a safer, smoother, and more scenic experience for the next 40–50 years.

How was the project funded?

This work is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund—a bipartisan initiative designed to tackle long-standing maintenance needs in national parks.

Colonial National Historical Park was successful in receving one of the largest GAOA transportation investments in the country. This project marks the first comprehensive rehabilitation since the Parkway’s full length opened in 1957.

Who is doing the work?

This project is managed by the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) through a design-build team that includes a prime contractor, design specialists, and approximately 30 subcontractors.

When will the Colonial Parkway fully reopen?

The Colonial Parkway is expected to fully reopen by late fall 2026, once all remaining infrastructure and preservation work is completed. Some segments may reopen earlier if they meet required safety and quality standards.

Updates will continue to be posted on the project webpage and shared through email notifications as the work progresses.

What work still needs to be completed on the Colonial Parkway?

The park was awarded additional GAOA and Federal Lands Transportation Program funding to address other major infrastructure and deferred maintenance projects within the Parkway corridor. Additional time is also needed to ensure that the workmanship maintains the aesthetic craftsmanship and historic character the Colonial Parkway is known for.

• Jones Mill Pond Dam Rehabilitation Project: This earthen dam supports approximately 600 feet of Parkway roadway. Remaining work includes armoring the dam to modern standards and upgrading safety features such as monitoring devices and guardrails.

• Bridge Rehabilitation Projects: Multiple bridges require critical maintenance, including full deck replacement and masonry restoration, to extend their lifespan and improve overall safety.

• Aesthetic and Historic Character Work: Upholding the NPS standards for aesthetic craftsmanship and historical integrity that defines the Colonial Parkway has been a challenge. Portions of earlier work are being redone to meet National Park Service standards for aesthetic quality and historical integrity.

Completing these projects together reduces the need for future closures and helps preserve the Parkway’s historic character for generations to come.

Why is maintaining the Colonial Parkway’s historic character so important?

The Colonial Parkway is more than a road—it’s a living piece of American history and a cultural treasure. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, designated an All-American Road, and celebrated as “one of the finest parkway archetypes in the country,” it offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.

Preserving its original design ensures that future generations can enjoy the same scenic beauty, craftsmanship, and historic character that make the Parkway extraordinary. Every rehabilitation effort honors its legacy while enhancing safety and durability for decades to come.

How will the project preserve the Parkway’s historic look and feel?

Maintaining the Colonial Parkway’s iconic aesthetic is a top priority. The project carefully replicates its historic exposed-aggregate concrete roadway, restores brick bridges and culverts, and safeguards the cultural landscape that makes this scenic route so unique. All improvements are designed to enhance longevity without compromising the Parkway’s character and timeless beauty.

What steps are involved in creating an authentic, historically accurate aggregate surface?

Exposed aggregate paving is a longer, more labor-intensive process than traditional blacktop repaving. This project requires full-depth roadway reconstruction, including subgrade rehabilitation and installation of the final exposed aggregate driving surface.

The NPS is committed to maintaining the same level of craftsmanship and aesthetic quality that the Colonial Parkway was originally built to. All new construction is held to these high standards to preserve the Parkway’s cultural and historic significance for future generations.

The goal: Ensure the roadway remains safe and durable for another 50+ years while preserving its historic character.

Which areas are currently closed, and what detours should I use?

All segments within the project limits are currently closed to traffic. Please follow posted detours and check the project webpage for the most up-to-date maps and reopening information.

What determines whether a segment can reopen?

Before reopening, each section must pass safety inspections and meet quality standards for aesthetic quality, historic character, pavement, drainage, bridges, and tunnel systems.

 

North entrance of the Williamsburg Tunnel, halfway through lighting installation. Fixtures are installed on the left side and not yet installed on the right.

NPS