Grant Circle and North Union Ave Repairs

Section of North Union Ave damaged by storms in early 2020

NPS Photo

Project Overview

Following heavy rainfall in early 2020, Grant Circle and a section of Union Avenue suffered catastrophic failures necessitating the closure to ensure visitor safety. This project will repair these damages, stabilize slopes and soil, and allow the road to be reopened for vehicle and pedestrian access.

Both sites are scheduled to be completed congruently meaning both sites will have construction on them for the duration of the project. Grant Circle is scheduled to be completed first and at that time the contractor will move all resources to finish North Union Ave.

During the project, there will be no pedestrian access or vehicular access to the construction areas.

 

At the base of the gabion wall being built at Grant Circle August 2025

NPS/Neal Downey

Current Status

Update August 18, 2025

• North Union

  • Contractor has finished all aggregate piers and is reaching final grading before installation of under drain and load transfer platform.

• Grant Circle

  • Progress has reached the 15^th tier of the gabion wall, which is 2 levels shy of being complete.

Work will include:

• Install new Stormwater control infrastructure and management features
• Slope and Soil Stabilization
  • Install reinforced soil slope walls and install gabion baskets
  • Install Rammed Aggregate Piers
  • Install Load Transfer Platform
  • Turf replacement/establishment
• Roads
  • Roadway excavation and embankment construction
  • Remove and replace pavement on roads and Thayer’s Approach Bridge
  • Remove and replace curbs
  • New pavement striping

 

 

Map of Grant and Union Road Repairs 2025

NPS Photo

Timeline:

March 2025 – early January 2026 (estimated – weather dependent)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the need for the project?

Following heavy rainfall in early 2020, Grant Circle and a section of Union Avenue suffered catastrophic failures necessitating the closure to ensure visitor safety and has been closed since that time. This project will repair these damages, stabilize slopes, replace and improve stormwater management features, and allow the road to be reopened for vehicle and pedestrian access. 

What does the project include? 

Work will consist of the following:

Install new Stormwater control infrastructure and management features 

Slope and Soil Stabilization

• Install reinforced soil slope walls and install gabion baskets 
• Install Rammed Aggregate Piers 
• Install Load Transfer Platform 
• Turf replacement/establishment  

Roads 

• Roadway excavation and embankment construction  
• Remove and replace pavement on roads and Thayer’s Approach Bridge
• Remove and replace curbs 
• New pavement striping 

When will the project begin and end?

March 2025 – early January 2026 (estimated – weather dependent) 

Why was it necessary to close the roads in the first place? 

The damage to the roads included a large landslide and buckling of roads. This damage made access to these areas a safety concern. Certain sections were reopened to pedestrians only. 

Will there need to be additional road closures?

No.

When will the roads open again for access?

The project is estimated to be completed in early January 2026. 

How will this project impact park visitors?

Grant’s Circle and this section of Union Avenue have been closed since January 2020 for vehicle access, though there has been limited pedestrian access.  

During the project, there will be no pedestrian access or vehicular access to the construction areas. 

How will this project benefit park visitors?

Benefits of the project will include a restored landscape, adequate road drainage, and repaired road for safety and enjoyment of park visitors. 

How will this project impact natural and cultural resources? 

The project helps protect significant cultural resources by rehabilitating and stabilizing various features of the landscape and roads 

What is the park doing to protect those resources during the project?

Throughout the project, National Park Service (NPS) resource protection experts and NPS managers will monitor the contractor's use of environmental protection methods to ensure the protection of these unique cultural resources and the environment surrounding them. Every project the NPS undertakes is conducted in compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other regulations.

How is this project being funded?

Project is being fund through 50/50 split of ERFO- Emergency Repair of Federally Owned Roads and DS- Disaster Supplement funds.

How much does the project cost? 

Total project cost is $7.43 million.

Who can I contact if I have further questions or concerns regarding the project?

Brendan Wilson