News Release

National Park Service completes plan to improve safety at Memorial Circle

Date: June 13, 2019
Contact: Jonathan Shafer, [phone]

McLean, Va.— The National Park Service (NPS) has completed a preliminary plan to make Memorial Circle, on the west side of Arlington Memorial Bridge, safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. The NPS is planning to adopt changes intended to simplify access for people in the circle and to protect its historic character.

The changes are based on observations made by subject matter experts, traffic studies and public input. When funding is available, the NPS will improve road and crosswalk signage and striping. These improvements will change how drivers use Memorial Circle and how pedestrians and cyclists cross road lanes there. Once implemented, the NPS will monitor the effectiveness of these changes.

“We appreciate the strong public interest in this planning effort. Implementing these changes should improve circulation and safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers who use Memorial Circle,” Superintendent Charles Cuvelier said. “Whether you are a frequent commuter, visitor to Washington D.C. or someone recreating, we want the Memorial Circle area to be a safe and accessible experience for everyone.”

The Memorial Avenue corridor was planned as a grand entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and our Nation’s Capital. This decision honors Memorial Circle’s original design. It also complements our work to completely rehabilitate Arlington Memorial Bridge.

The NPS analyzed three alternatives and completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) before selecting this plan. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed on June 7, 2019 by acting National Capital Regional Director Lisa Mendelson for the Memorial Circle Transportation Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA). The FONSI is the decision-making document for the project, and it states that the project will have no significant effect on the park’s natural or cultural resources. You can read the FONSI and the Plan/EA online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/mctpea.