News Release

National Park Service Announces FONSI for Improvements to George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail

Date: January 26, 2024
Contact: Christopher Hershey, 703-289-2508

MCLEAN, Va.— The National Park Service has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluating the impacts of the proposed improvements along the George Washington Memorial Parkway South Section and Mount Vernon Trail.

The primary goal of the project is to enhance safety and reliability for users of the parkway and trail, while preserving the area's scenic and historic character. As vital routes for both local and visiting cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers, these improvements are crucial for the continued enjoyment and safety of everyone who uses these routes.

The EA analyzed several alternatives, including a no-action alternative and multiple action alternatives for improvements. After a period of public review and carefully considering the public comments received, the NPS selected a specific alternative that will not significantly affect the environment and encompasses a series of vital enhancements: 

• Upgraded pedestrian and cycling paths to improve user safety and enjoyment. 
• Enhanced road safety features, such as improved signage and lane adjustments to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce accidents. 
• Maintenance upgrades to preserve the historic and scenic integrity of the parkway and trail, including repairs to existing infrastructure and scenic overlooks. 

The implementation of these improvements will occur in phases, subject to funding availability. Initial design work and planning for key aspects of the project are slated to begin in 2024, with a detailed construction schedule and traffic management plan to be developed subsequently.

Park administrators will update the public on construction schedules and associated traffic disruptions through forthcoming news releases and the park's official website.

The FONSI and related documents can be viewed online via the Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=186&projectID=112569&documentID=134139.