This infographic displays the areas that we be under construction and the anticipated schedule.
NPS
Construction will occur in phases beginning with temporary road widening in the median along the northbound travel lanes and on two bridges between Route 123 and Spout Run. Bridge work is independent of road work as some of the bridge construction activities have weather restrictions and can only be performed during certain temperatures. Construction will impact drivers and park visitors for the duration of the rehabilitation. A minimum of one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open at all times. The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.
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Motorists should expect lane closures as construction crews continue to install the temporary roadway between I-495 and the Route 123 interchange. Activities include removing select trees in the median and the outfalls, installing temporary drainage, and activities related to installing temporary pavement.
Motorists may see crews remove select trees at the outfalls over the next couple of months. Additionally, once crews begin select tree removal at the outfalls near Route 123 and other locations along the parkway, activities may be visible from the surrounding properties. The rehabilitation project includes tree replacement, which will occur at the completion of the project. Additional details about upcoming construction phases are under Roadway Construction Phasing – Southbound Lanes I-495 to Route 123.
Work is scheduled to occur on the federal holiday (Washington's Birthday, also known as Presidents Day) on Monday, February 20.
Weekday lane closures:
Northbound lane closures from 6:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Southbound lane closures from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday lane closures:
Northbound left lane from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Southbound left lane from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nighttime lane closure hours (possible depending on weather temperatures):
Northbound lane closures from 7:15 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Southbound lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
Crews may not always be visible to motorists when lane closures are in place; however, these lane closures are necessary to stage equipment and keep crews safe. Lane closures may occur in the left or right lane with varying lengths; however, at least one lane of traffic in each direction will always remain open.
Roadway Construction Phasing – Southbound Lanes I-495 to Route 123
The following images show an example of construction phases for the temporary widening.
Crews are currently underway with installing a temporary lane inside the shoulder in the grassy area along the northbound side of the parkway. Once the temporary lane is installed in the segment from I-495 to Route 123, crews will shift all traffic to the northbound lanes to reconstruct and repair the southbound lanes. The parkway will use a 3-lane configuration during construction. This allows the contractor greater access to the roadway, lessening the time needed to complete the project.
NPS
Configuration of the reversible lanes north of Route 123 during morning rush hour. One lane travels northbound while two lanes travel southbound. There is always one lane going north and one going south. The middle lane reverses depending on rush hour.
NPS
During the afternoon rush hour there will be two lanes going northbound instead of having the two lanes going southbound.
NPS
Bridge Construction
Work on the Pimmit Run Bridge and Glebe Road Bridge, between Route 123 and Spout Run, is underway. The lane widths have been reduced, using temporary barrier, to provide space for crews to stage equipment. Crews may not be visible to the traveling public as most of the work occurs under the bridge .
For bridge work, there will still be a three-lane configuration at all times and a barrier will separate traffic from the work zone.
NPS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This project is the reconstruction of approximately 7.6 miles of the northern section of the GWMP between Spout Run and the I-495/Capital Beltway in Fairfax and Arlington counties, Virginia. This project will improve the driving experience, safety, and water drainage while retaining and enhancing the historic beauty and culture of the parkway.
This rehabilitation includes:
replacing the asphalt pavement
redesigning portions of the Route 123 interchange
repairing stormwater management systems
replacing and updating drainage inlets and culverts
stabilizing erosion
constructing turnarounds for emergency vehicles
rehabilitating two historic overlooks
lengthening entrance and exit lanes at some interchanges to improve traffic safety
reconstructing stone walls and improving roadside barriers
and re-opening historic views along the parkway
This project is the first rehabilitation in this section of parkway since it was completed in 1962. Once completed, this historic parkway will continue to provide a safe, scenic, and smooth experience for those who are using it to connect to our nation’s history or as a way to get to and from our nation's capital.
The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (FHWA - EFLHD), continue the process of rehabilitating the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP).
The northern section of the GWMP, between Spout Run to I-495/Capital Beltway, is the busiest section of the parkway and serves about 26 million drivers annually. It is a four-lane divided scenic parkway that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a major commuter route between northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., carrying roughly 70,000 vehicles per day. It also provides access to several recreational and historic sites along the roadway. The physical roadway is reaching the end of its lifespan in the northern part of the parkway. NPS wants to rehabilitate the historic parkway to provide a safe and scenic experience while extending its lifespan. This project will repair and rehabilitate deteriorating aspects of the roadway as well as implement safety improvements while preserving the cultural and historical characteristics of the parkway.
Construction activities are tentatively scheduled to begin in August 2022. The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.
In September 2018, the NPS achieved a major milestone project by completing an environmental review completed for the rehabilitation. The NPS completed an Environmental Assessment and analyzed public comments before deciding how best to rehabilitate the north section of the parkway.
The National Park Service's preffered alterntative for the is intersection is to consolidate Route 123 on-ramps to southbound GWMP at a new intersection east of Pine Tree Road (modified diamond interchange). Conceptual map is depicted below.
This would:
• Realign entrance to the Route 123 eastbound on-ramp to southbound GWMP mainline. The roadway would be realigned to be opposite the consolidated off-ramp from southbound GWMP.
• Maintain tight northbound GWMP exit ramp to both eastbound and westbound Route 123.
• Remove existing ramps in the northwest quadrant of the interchange (Earth Tech 2005).
• Install SWM best management practices consistent with VDEQ requirements.
