News Release

Repairs begin this week on pedestrian footbridge

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News Release Date: May 20, 2020
Contact: Autumn Cook, 304-702-5684

UPDATE: As of July 5, 2020, the Goodloe E. Byron Pedestrian Walkway has been reopened, and all access has been restored. The link in the news release below is no longer active; please see the current conditions of park facilities.

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — The National Park Service has issued a permit to CSX to repair the Goodloe E. Byron Pedestrian Walkway (footbridge) across the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. CSX will begin the project this week and anticipates that it will be completed by the end of July assuming no weather or pandemic related delays.

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.

Visit go.nps.gov/HAFEfootbridge for more 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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