North Parkway Construction, News, and Impacts

This infographic displays the project rehabilitation area

NPS

The National Park Service (NPS) has reached substantial completion of the north parkway rehabilitation project on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The project, which began construction in 2022, improves safety and resilience through rehabilitated pavement and drainage, strengthened roadside features and restored historic overlooks. Some finishing work will continue into spring 2026 during off-peak travel hours. Motorists can expect travel impacts once crews begin rehabilitation efforts on the Route 123 Interchange bridge.
View construction updates under Current Construction.

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Rehabilitation Completion Along the Parkway

As of early January, crews have reached the following milestones:

• 98% of the guardwall has been repaired or replaced, upgrading motorist safety.
• 98% of the bridge repairs are complete, rehabilitating aging infrastructure.
• 100% 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 February 2026)

I-495 to Route 123

Crews continue curb work at the I-495 Interchange. Motorists can expect finishing work during off-peak travel hours for median restoration activities.

 

Route 123 to Spout Run Parkway

Repairs on the concrete median and guardrail continue. Motorists can expect finishing work during off-peak travel hours for median restoration activities.

 

Bridge Construction

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

Finishing work continues on concrete median installations at bridge approaches, in addition to median repairs at Gulf Branch and Windy Run bridges in early 2026. 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.

Additional Rehabilitation Work on the George Washington Memorial Parkway
The NPS has identified additional rehabilitation work on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This work is anticipated to begin in 2026, taking advantage of the current construction workforce to facilitate this additional work and reduce traffic impacts.

• Route 123 Interchange Bridge Work and Traffic Impacts 
  The Route 123 Interchange Bridge is in need of additional repairs to rehabilitate aging infrastructure. The NPS anticipates that there will be a single travel lane closed. The exit rampto Route 123 eastbound and westbound will have a reduced deceleration lane. Lanes adjacent to the exit ramps will also be closed during rush hour.

• Additional Mill and Overlay Work
  Just south of the project limits from Spout Run Parkway south to I-395 and from Ronald Regan Airport to First Street in Alexandria, the George Washington Memorial Parkway will undergo mill and overlay work. This will rehabilitate the asphalt and extend the life of the roadway in this section of the parkway. This work is anticipated to start in spring 2026 once weather conditions are suitable for asphalt work.

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.

 

 

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.

What is the current project status and will there be more work in 2026?

All lanes are open to traffic during rush hours. Some minor finishing work may continue during off-peak hours as barriers are removed, and final median restoration and landscaping is completed in the spring. Site cleanup is scheduled to be completed in late March 2026 (weather permitting), except for Route 123 Overpass repairs.  

Some contract modification work is anticipated, including repairs near the Route 123 Bridge area and a mill and overlay on the haul road route from Spout Run to I-395 and from Ronald Regan Airport to First Street in Alexandria to First Street in Alexandria. Portions of exit ramps under each side of the overpass will close during construction and single lane closures at the Route 123 interchange may occur outside of peak hours, but full ramp closures are not anticipated. We will share updates when available. 

What is the Great American Outdoors Act, and how does it relate to this project?

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) is a federal law that provides dedicated funding over five years to address deferred maintenance and improve infrastructure on public lands, including in national parks. The George Washington Memorial Parkway North Section Rehabilitation is funded through GAOA LRF, helping NPS deliver safety, drainage, and historic preservation improvements while stewarding taxpayer dollars responsibly. 

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), manage 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 repaired and rehabilitated deteriorating aspects of the roadway, implemented safety improvements, and preserved the cultural and historical characteristics of the parkway.

Is the work on the northern end connecting the parkway to Interstate 495 part of this project?

The Virginia Department of Transportation is continuing an express lanes project that connects directly to the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The Virginia Department of Transportation expects that work to be completed in 2026. Please check their project page for the most up-to-date information: https://495next.vdot.virginia.gov/about/#d.en.103055 

What is the duration of the project?

Construction activities began in August 2022. The project reached substantial completion in January 7, 2026.

Why did the project use weekend and ramp closures?

Targeted weekend and ramp closures can reduce the overall duration of work and improve safety for crews and motorists. Concentrated work windows can reduce the number of traffic switches, and the time workers spend next to live traffic. 

What safety improvements were made?

The project rehabilitated pavement and drainage and strengthened roadside features. Drivers benefit from a smoother surface, safer transitions at ramps, better stormwater handling, and improved resilience during storms. 

How do I report a hazard or emergency on the parkway?

For hazards, contact George Washington Memorial Parkway dispatch and United States Park Police coordination at 202-610-7505. For emergencies, call 911. 

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 changes made to the Route 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.

Changes include:
• Realign entrance to the Route 123 eastbound on-ramp to southbound GWMP mainline. The roadway is 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.