36 CFR 1.5 (a)(1)-General Closures – The pedestrian walkway across the Goodloe E. Byron Memorial Bridge within the boundaries of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will be temporarily closed to public use for the maintenance of public health and safety. Hundreds of pedestrians use the bridge each week. The National Park Service’s (NPS) initial condition assessment of the pedestrian walkway on September 21, 2026, revealed the need to replace deteriorating deck planks and decking joists, and to stabilize a section of the security fence. To minimize risks to visitor health and safety and to scope and safely implement needed repairs, the walkway will be closed on September 22, 2026, and will remain closed until repairs can be made and inspections completed. Because the narrow span of the walkway limits the space in which pedestrians can maneuver, and because additional inspections are needed to fully ascertain the extent of needed repairs, a partial closure of the walkway or less restrictive measures will not suffice to ensure public and NPS workers’ health and safety. Further, this temporary closure aligns with the ongoing closure of the east end of the bridge for a construction project. As the east end of the bridge is already closed, this temporary closure will have no additional impact on visitor access between West Virginia sections of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the Maryland areas of the park. If conditions change, this Record of Determination will be updated. Notice of this public use limitation will be made through the park webpage https://www.nps.gov/hafe, the park visitor center and the area closed using signs and barricades. This determination is available to the public upon request. Tanya M. Gossett Superintendent Harpers Ferry National Historical Park 9/22/26 |
Last updated: September 23, 2026