News Release

Southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway detour planned between Route 123 and Spout Run Parkway on weekends to prepare for traffic shift

Top: Following traffic shift, two lanes will carry traffic northbound toward MD/VA during the evening rush. There will be one lane in each direction at all other times. Bottom: Southbound GWMP traffic will need to exit at Route 123 and follow signs.

NPS

News Release Date: March 6, 2025

Contact: Erin Barlow, 202-578-9118

MCLEAN, Va. — As part of the next phase of the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project, the National Park Service (NPS) will temporarily close the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) between Route 123 and Spout Run Parkway. This is to prepare the work zone for the upcoming traffic shift between Windy Run Bridge and Spout Run Parkway anticipated to begin on March 7.

⏳ Closure Schedule: 

🔹 Starts: 10 p.m., Friday, March 7 

🔹 Ends: 6 p.m., Sunday, March 9

🚧 Detour: 

All southbound traffic will be rerouted via Route 123 and Glebe Road to re-enter Spout Run Parkway.

What to Expect 

✅ Barrier relocation & new work zone setup 

✅ Traffic shift to newly constructed northbound lanes (between Windy Run Bridge and Spout Run Parkway)

Long-Term Traffic Pattern (Begins 6 p.m., March 9 – Late 2025) 

🚗 Southbound Traffic: 

🔸 Only one southbound lane will remain open between Route 123 and Spout Run Parkway, including during rush hour.

🚙 Northbound Traffic: 

🔹 Two lanes open during evening rush hour (2:45 – 7:15 p.m.) 

🔹 One lane in each direction at all other times 

Stay Safe in the Work Zone 

⚠ Slow down & stay alert 

🚧 Watch for crews & road changes 

📢 Follow message boards & signs for updates 

🔎 Stay Informed: 

Check construction updates and sign up for email alerts about traffic changes, meetings, and project milestones.

Proceed with caution through work zones, watch out for crews and road debris and observe the speed limit. View construction updates and opt-in to receive emails about traffic changes, meetings and major project milestones on the project webpage.