News Release

New traffic pattern coming April 15 to the northern section of George Washington Memorial Parkway

Two images that depict the work happening in the southbound lanes while traffic moves in the northbound lanes.
During the morning rush hour, two lanes will carry traffic southbound toward Washington, D.C. During the evening rush hour, two lanes will carry traffic northbound toward Maryland.

NPS

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
News Release Date: April 3, 2023

Contact: Mark Maloy, 571-528-5029

UPDATE (April 14, 2023): Due to inclement weather forecasts this weekend, the National Park Service has postponed the implementation of a new, temporary traffic pattern on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. A dry roadway is needed to install the lane striping and temporary lane dividers on the northbound side of the parkway. We expect the shift to begin between April 21 and 24, but we will follow up with a release before the shift.

McLean, Va.— On Saturday, April 15, the National Park Service (NPS) will implement a new, temporary traffic pattern on George Washington Memorial Parkway between I-495 and Route 123 for the next phase of the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project. Drivers should observe traffic signs, respect the 40-mph speed limit, expect delays through narrow travel lanes and plan alternate routes. 

Weekday morning rush hour (5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.) 

  • Two lanes southbound (toward Washington, DC). 

    • Drivers who need to exit at Route 123 or CIA Headquarters must use the right lane. 

  • One lane northbound (toward Maryland/Virginia). 

Weekday evening rush hour (2:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.) 

  • Two lanes northbound (toward Maryland/Virginia). 

    • Drivers who need to exit at Route 123 or CIA Headquarters must use the right lane. 

  • One lane southbound (toward Washington, DC). 

 Weekdays (9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.) and weekends 

  • One lane southbound (toward Washington, DC). 

  • One lane northbound (toward Maryland/Virginia). 

The NPS expects this three-lane traffic pattern to be in effect through late 2025. To increase safety, small physical barriers will divide the narrow, 10-foot-wide lanes. Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000lbs are always prohibited from using the parkway.

In the case of heavy rain, the traffic shift will begin on Saturday, April 22.

Bridge work will continue on George Washington Memorial Parkway between the I-495 interchange and Spout Run Parkway.

How this is happening 

Crews have installed a temporary lane in the median of George Washington Memorial Parkway between I-495 and the Route 123 interchange. This temporary lane will serve as a reversible lane, which provides flexibility to change direction for morning and evening rush hours. This traffic pattern allows the project contractor greater access to the roadway, which will reduce the time needed to complete the project.

Where to find more information 

Construction on the parkway will affect drivers for the duration of the rehabilitation, through December 2025. Message boards and orange construction signs along the parkway provide important information and directions, and drivers can see construction updates and opt-in to receive emails about traffic impacts, meetings and major project milestones on the project webpage.

Background   

The Department of the Interior announced the rehabilitation of the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway on December 7, 2021. In partnership with the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration awarded a $161 million contract to rehabilitate this section of the parkway. The project, made possible by Great American Outdoors Act funding, will improve safety, the driving experience and water drainage while retaining and reviving the historic beauty and significance of the parkway – including opening scenic views to Washington, D.C. The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.

-NPS-



Last updated: April 14, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway

McLean, VA 22101

Phone:

703 289-2500

Contact Us