News Release

Plans progressing for shuttle service and repairs to pedestrian footbridge

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News Release Date: April 30, 2020
Contact: Autumn Cook, 304-702-5684

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — The National Park Service (NPS), in coordination with CSX, is making progress on the requirements for a permit, which would outline the required repairs to the Goodloe E. Byron Memorial Pedestrian Walkway (footbridge) across the Potomac River. While the project terms and the timeline for repairs are still under discussion, the NPS and CSX are working toward a late spring start date for construction.

The NPS understands the importance of access to the footbridge for hikers and visitors to Harpers Ferry NHP, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. CSX and the NPS are coordinating to fund and operate a shuttle service to provide free transportation for Appalachian Trail hikers and other visitors around the footbridge closure. The start date for this shuttle service is still to be determined.

The NPS will provide updates as the project timeline is finalized. Visit go.nps.gov/HAFEfootbridge for the latest information.


Background
In the early morning of Dec. 21, 2019, multiple cars of a train owned by CSX derailed from a railroad bridge crossing the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry. The derailment damaged a portion of the pedestrian footbridge, which is attached to the railroad bridge, preventing access across the Potomac River. Since the derailment the NPS has been working with CSX to determine next steps.

The footbridge is used by hikers and visitors to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
 

-NPS-

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