News Release

Prepare for more construction activity on northern section of George Washington Memorial Parkway

Date: September 20, 2022
Contact: John Cochran, 771-200-7237

WASHINGTON – Drivers will see more construction activity along the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between the Route 123 interchange and I-495 starting around Sept. 26. Construction may cause delays, and drivers should proceed with caution in work zones.  

During this phase of construction, the National Park Service (NPS) will temporarily widen the road using the median along the northbound travel lanes. This temporary widening will maintain a three-lane configuration during construction, allowing the contractor greater access to the roadway and reducing the time needed to complete the project. 

Drivers should prepare for daily closures to occur as needed:  

• Northbound lane closures may occur between 7 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. 
• Southbound lanes closures may occur between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

Closing some northbound and southbound lanes at the same time will shorten the project duration. At least one lane of traffic in each direction will always be open. 

To allow for the temporary road widening, the NPS will remove select trees and plants. Tree locations and topography were considered in the construction planning, and every effort was made to minimize the number of trees that must be removed. The NPS will replace the trees when the project is completed.  

Additionally, crews will begin work on the Pimmit Run and Glebe Road bridges between Route 123 and Spout Run. Bridge work will occur beneath the parkway surface and will require some lane closures. 

All work is weather permitting. 

To avoid traffic delays on the northern section of the parkway during this time, drivers should consider alternate routes.  

Drivers can view construction updates on the project webpage or opt-in to receive email updates (about traffic impacts, meeting notices and project milestones) by emailing e-mail us. 

Background: 

The rehabilitation of the northern section of the parkway was announced by the Department of the Interior 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 George Washington Memorial Parkway. The project is one of the largest infrastructure investments funded by the Great American Outdoors Act and will improve the driving experience, safety, and water drainage while retaining and reviving the historic beauty and significance of the parkway – including opening scenic views to Washington, D.C. The NPS expects the project to be completed in late 2025. 

-NPS-