North Parkway Construction, News, and Impacts

This infographic displays the areas that are under construction and the anticipated schedule.

NPS

Construction efforts to rehabilitate the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) between I-495 and Spout Run Parkway will continue through 2025. Periodic single lane closures will continue in all segments for median restoration activities. Crews will begin installing new signs and continue these efforts into early 2026. Construction activities will impact drivers and park visitors for the duration of the rehabilitation this year and at the Route 123 Interchange in 2026. View construction updates under Current Construction.

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• To contact the project team please e-mail us. 
• View recordings of informational public meetings on our public meeting webpage.

Rehabilitation Progress Along the Parkway

The National Park Service (NPS) is on schedule to complete all construction efforts for the Rehabilitation Project at the end of 2025. As of early December, crews have reached the following milestones:

• 95% of the guardwall has been repaired or replaced, upgrading motorist safety.
• 95% of the bridge repairs are complete, rehabilitating aging infrastructure.
• 99% of the roadway has been replaced, improving drivability and safety. 
• 100% of the drainage work is complete, reducing erosion and sediment run off.
• 100% of the outfalls have been repaired, completing work to improve drainage structures that discharge water to nearby streams.

The NPS thanks you for your patience over the last three years as we worked to rehabilitate 7.6 miles of the parkway, improving the driving experience and safety for motorists, while maintaining the culture of this historic landmark near our nation’s capital. See below for current construction details and impacts in each segment.

 

Current Construction (Updated December 2025)

I-495 to Route 123

Crews continue curb work at the I-495 Interchange. Motorists can expect periodic lane closures for median restoration activities.

 

Route 123 to Spout Run Parkway

Construction on the inner left southbound lane between Route 123 and Windy Run Bridge is complete and the lane has reopened. Repairs on the concrete median and guardrail continue. Motorists can expect periodic lane closures for median restoration activities.

Route 123 Interchange Bridge Work and Traffic Impacts Anticipated in 2026

The NPS has identified additional bridge work on the north parkway and anticipates construction to rehabilitate aging infrastructure on the Route 123 Interchange Bridge. The NPS anticipates that there will be a single travel lane closed, and three travel lanes open on the parkway. The work is anticipated to begin in 2026, taking advantage of the current construction workforce that would help facilitate the start of rehabilitation and reduce traffic impacts. The NPS understands the parkway's importance for motorists and is working efficiently to complete its rehabilitation to minimize prolonged congestion for this additional effort while ensuring safety for the public and construction crews. The NPS will provide additional information on the work and traffic impacts ahead of the construction.

 

During bridge work, a three-lane configuration will be in place with a barrier to separate traffic from the work zone.

NPS

Bridge Construction

Crews have completed repairs on and below the bridge surface at Pimmit Run, Dead Run, Turkey Run, and Spout Run Northbound and Southbound Arch bridges, rehabilitating aging infrastructure.

Repairs continue on sidewalk installations at bridge approaches, in addition to median repairs at Glebe Road and Gulf Branch Bridge, and drainage work at Donaldson Run Bridge and Windy Run Bridge through 2025. No additional traffic delays are anticipated at this time.

All work is weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, work will be rescheduled. Any changes in the closure schedule above will be reflected on this page.

 

Construction Zone Safety

Please slow down and be cautious while driving through work zones on the parkway. Commercial vehicles are restricted from the parkway at all times. Signage will direct drivers to the appropriate lanes.

• Drivers should observe traffic signs for updated information.
• A 40 MPH speed limit remains in effect from the I-495 interchange to Spout Run Parkway to help keep construction crew and motorists safe. This speed limit will be in place for the remainder of the project and is enforced as such.
• To avoid traffic delays on the northern section of the parkway, drivers should consider alternate routes and plan for additional travel time.
• Remember vehicles over 10,000 lbs. are always prohibited from using the parkway.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) North Parkway Rehabilitation project?

This project is the reconstruction of approximately 7.6 miles of the northern section of the GWMP between Spout Run and the I-495/Capital Beltway in Fairfax and Arlington counties, Virginia. This project will improve the driving experience, safety, and water drainage while retaining and enhancing the historic beauty and culture of the parkway.

What can the public expect from this project?

This rehabilitation includes:  

• replacing the asphalt pavement 

• redesigning portions of the Route 123 interchange 

• repairing stormwater management systems  

• replacing and updating drainage inlets and culverts  

• stabilizing erosion 

• constructing turnarounds for emergency vehicles  

• rehabilitating two historic overlooks 

• lengthening entrance and exit lanes at some interchanges to improve traffic safety 

• reconstructing stone walls and improving roadside barriers 

• and re-opening historic views along the parkway

This project is the first rehabilitation in this section of parkway since it was completed in 1962. Once completed, this historic parkway will continue to provide a safe, scenic, and smooth experience for those who are using it to connect to our nation’s history or as a way to get to and from our nation's capital.

Who is responsible for the project?

The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (FHWA - EFLHD), continue the process of rehabilitating the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP).

Why is the project needed?

The northern section of the GWMP, between Spout Run to I-495/Capital Beltway, is the busiest section of the parkway and serves about 26 million drivers annually. It is a four-lane divided scenic parkway that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a major commuter route between northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., carrying roughly 70,000 vehicles per day. It also provides access to several recreational and historic sites along the roadway. The physical roadway is reaching the end of its lifespan in the northern part of the parkway. NPS wants to rehabilitate the historic parkway to provide a safe and scenic experience while extending its lifespan. This project will repair and rehabilitate deteriorating aspects of the roadway as well as implement safety improvements while preserving the cultural and historical characteristics of the parkway.

What is the duration of the project?

Construction activities began in August 2022. The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.

What planning has been done for this project?

In September 2018, the NPS achieved a major milestone project by completing an environmental review completed for the rehabilitation. The NPS completed an Environmental Assessment and analyzed public comments before deciding how best to rehabilitate the north section of the parkway.

What are the proposed changes to the 123 intersection?

The National Park Service's preferred alternative for the is intersection is to consolidate Route 123 on-ramps to southbound GWMP at a new intersection east of Pine Tree Road (modified diamond interchange).  Conceptual map is depicted below.

This would:
• Realign entrance to the Route 123 eastbound on-ramp to southbound GWMP mainline. The roadway would be realigned to be opposite the consolidated off-ramp from southbound GWMP.
• Maintain tight northbound GWMP exit ramp to both eastbound and westbound Route 123.
• Remove existing ramps in the northwest quadrant of the interchange (Earth Tech 2005).
• Install stormwater management (SWM) best management practices consistent with VDEQ requirements.

For more information see the Environmental Assessment document.