NPS | Professional Services Division – C&O Canal National Historical Park
The park plans to improve the Four Locks Boating Access near mile marker 108.9 of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Clear Spring, Maryland. Generally, the projects consists of rehabilitating the deteriorated boat ramp structure and increasing accessibility for boaters. Specifically, National Park Service (NPS) will be removing the existing failed portions of the boat ramp, reconstructing an extended boat ramp with erosion resistant articulated concrete blocks, and constructing a new floating dock system with an accessible sidewalk that meets the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS) from the parking lot. The Four Locks Boat Ramp provides recreational boating access on the Maryland side of one of the largest deepwater sections of the non-tidal Potomac River. The boat ramp is located approximately 2 miles upstream of the NPS’s Dam No. 5, a run-of-the-river dam that impounds water and creates an approximately 7-mile total length of slackwater on the Potomac River. The boat ramp, originally constructed in the 1960s, has been structurally compromised by frequent use and decades of natural forces along the river. The broken concrete and undermined riverward edge of the ramp have made launching/loading boats difficult for boaters. The lack of existing boat tie-offs will be remedied by the installation of an accessible floating dock, which will also decrease congestion and delays during peak usage times. What is the P.L.A.N. ?Purpose? [Why are we undertaking this project?]To repair and improve the boating access facilities at Four Locks Boat Ramp.Length? [When are we closing, and how long?]Site work for the construction phase will begin in September 2024 and is anticipated to continue through winter 2024/25.Alternative Activities? [What can I do instead?]During construction, the Four Locks Boat Ramp and adjacent parking lot will be closed. The nearest upstream parking lot for boat access is at McCoys Ferry (mile 110.4) and nearest major downstream parking lot for boat access is at Williamsport (mile 99.7).The towpath at Mile Marker 108.9 will remain open during construction, with construction traffic occasionally using it for access. You can still bike, walk, run, and fish along the towpath in all areas outside of the work zone. There are many sections of the towpath to be explored! Next Step? [What are the future benefits?]The completion of the improvement and rehabilitation work at the Four Locks Boat Ramp will improve access and increase safety and accessibility for park visitors and boaters. The work will make the park more resilient to flooding and climate associated hazards.
NPS | Professional Services Division – C&O Canal National Historical Park CURRENT DETOURS AND CLOSURES
To the left is a map showing the project area and the closures that are in place. At Lock 48, a temporary causeway will be placed to allow construction access to the work area. This short stretch of towpath here will be shared with construction personnel and vehicles. It is also anticipated that some hauling for construction will occur between Lock 46 and the construction site via the towpath. Visitors are asked to follow the signage and flaggers. Visitors may be asked to pause for a few minutes while construction equipment is passing on the towpath. 
NPS | Professional Services Division – C&O Canal National Historical Park FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)What is the need for the project?Multiple deficiencies have been identified by NPS that require reconstruction and additions to the Four Locks Boat Ramp and parking area. These include the undermined riverward edge of the boat ramp that has created a drop-off, broken and loose concrete with exposed rebar, damage to the parking lot, and erosion of the riverbanks from flooding on the Potomac River.What does the project include?Generally, the projects consists of rehabilitating the deteriorated boat ramp structure and increasing accessibility for boaters. Specifically, National Park Service (NPS) will be removing the existing failed portions of the boat ramp, reconstructing an extended boat ramp with erosion resistant articulated concrete blocks, constructing a new floating dock system with an accessible sidewalk that meets the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS) from the parking lot.The project will also include installing a new stairway between the boat ramp and floating dock, armoring the sides of the boat ramp and riverbanks with dumped stone (riprap), repairing cracks throughout the parking lot asphalt surface, improving parking lot drainage with stormwater management systems, and designating accessible parking spaces. To facilitate construction, a temporary causeway will be constructed over Lock 48 (mile 108.7). The contractor will be accessing the towpath at Lock 46 (mile 107.42) and Lock 48 (mile 108.7) to get to the construction site. The National Park Service (NPS) anticipates the contractor will mobilize many various types of heavy equipment that will work from the shore to perform the improvements. Where will the project take place?This project will take place at the Four Locks Boat Ramp and parking lot off Starliper Road in Clear Spring, MD. It is located at Mile 108.9 of the C&O Canal towpath, approximately 10 river miles upstream of Williamsport, MD.When will the project begin and end?Site work for the construction phase will begin in September 2024 and is anticipated to continue through Winter 2024/25, weather dependent.
NPS | Professional Services Division – C&O Canal National Historical Park How will this project impact park visitors?To facilitate the work, the Four Locks Boat Ramp parking lot (mile 108.9, located off of Starliper Road, Clear Spring, Maryland) will be CLOSED.There is no public parking available adjacent to the work area along Starliper Road. Alternate parking and boat access can be found upstream at McCoys Ferry (mile 110.4) and downstream at Williamsport (mile 99.7). Access to Prather’s Neck via Starliper Road to Ankenney Lane will remain OPEN. How will this project benefit park visitors?Once the project is complete, the condition and access to this recreational boating area will be greatly improved. Many existing impairments will be addressed, resulting in a safer and better visitor experience.How will this project impact natural and cultural resources?Every project the NPS executes undergoes review by a multidisciplinary team to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other federal, state, and local laws.What is the park doing to protect those resources during the project?NPS resource protection experts, engineers, and the contractor’s team will be monitoring the Four Locks Boat Ramp construction work along this stretch of the towpath/river, along with contractor’s operations and visitor safety during the project with the goal of safely protecting the environment surrounding the project. Every project undertaken by the NPS is conducted in compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other regulations.How much does the project cost?The construction contract for the Four Locks Boat Ramp improvement project was awarded for approximately $1 million and was funded via grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Waterway Improvement Fund and a Boating Access Grant from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Who can I contact if I have further questions regarding the project?Additional questions are to be directed to the park headquarters at 301-739-4200.
NPS | Professional Services Division – C&O Canal National Historical Park |
Last updated: October 15, 2024