Improving multi-use trails around the National Mall

The NPS strives to lead the region in providing exceptional outdoor experiences. We seamlessly link richly diverse places of natural and historic significance in the national capital area while providing safe and enjoyable experiences for people to walk, run, bike and have fun with friends and family.

 

 

Multi-use trail improvements next to the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

 

Left image
Rendering of current trail near I-66 bridge with path leading next to road
Credit: NPS

Right image
Rendering of new tunnel to be built through the I-66 bridge with a path away from the road
Credit: NPS

 

Left image
Existing lane configuration
Credit: NPS

Right image
New configuration with enlarged and enhanced green space
Credit: NPS

 

Signed detour route Virginia Avenue NW and 23rd Street NW

NPS

The National Park Service is improving access for pedestrians and bicyclists by widening a trail, adding a protected tunnel, and enlarging and ehancing green space on the multi-use trail next to the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. Take a look to see before and after renderings of the areas the NPS will improve and take a look at the map above to see the full scope of our work.

While the work is going on, construction workers will temporarily close the multi-use trail next to the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. During closures, pedestrians and bicylcists can follow the signed detour route along Virginia Avenue NW to 23rd Street NW to access the open portion of the trail. The trail closure will not be continuous, and the National Park Service will work to limit disruptions to multi-use trail access.

The trail improvement work will not prevent access to the Kennedy Center or the cafe in Victura Park at the REACH.

 

Left image
Existing conditions at the end of Parkway Drive
Credit: / Image credit: NPS

Right image
Enlarged and enhanced green space at the end of Parkway Drive
Credit: / Image credit: NPS

 

New crosswalks across Independence Avenue SW and Constitution Avenue NW

 

A construction worker installs new wiring for a traffic signal at the site of a planned crosswalk on Independence Avenue SW in spring 2021.

NPS / Tom Maclosky

The National Park Service is coordinating with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to add new traffic signals and paths for designated crosswalks for people crossing:

• Independence Avenue SW between the Martin Luther King Junior and DC War Memorials (shown in photo).

• Constitution Avenue NW at 18th Street NW.

 

15th Street Protected Bike Lane Project

 

Rendering of new cycle track planned on 15th Street

DDOT

The 15th Street Bicycle Safety Improvement Project managed by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will close a gap in the District’s bicycle network by constructing a new protected bicycle facility between Pennsylvania Avenue NW and the 14th Street Bridge. The one-mile section of 15th Street passes through a historic and nationally significant section of the District and is managed in coordination with the National Park Service (NPS).

When complete, users will be able to travel between the center of Washington, DC to the Crystal City/National Airport area of Arlington, Virginia, entirely via trails and protected bicycle facilities.

 

Multi-use trail improvements next to Ohio Drive from 23rd Street SW to Inlet Bridge

 

Detour route for pedestrians and bicyclists.

NPS

The National Park Service will replace the pavement on the portion of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail that runs between Independence Avenue SW and the George Mason Memorial in West Potomac Park. Construction workers will close the trail while work is going on, and bicyclists and pedestrians should follow a signed detour through the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Bicyclists should walk their bikes through the memorial.

The trail closure is not planned to be continuous, and the National Park Service will work to limit disruptions to multi-use trail access.

 

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  Improving roads

  See a map and read hours of work

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  Project overview

  See a map of road and multi-use trail work planned around the National Mall

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  Regionwide Paved Trail Plan

  Improving and increasing access to trails across the National Capital Region