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 Washing Memorial Parkway (GWMP) are underway between I-495 and Spout Run Parkway. Construction activities will impact drivers and park visitors for the duration of the rehabilitation. View construction updates under Current Construction. The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.

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Rehabilitation Progress Along the Parkway

Crews continue to make progress on rehabilitation work daily. To date:

• 26% of the roadway has been replaced, improving drivability and safety. 
• 45% of the guardwall has been repaired or replaced, upgrading motorist safety.
• 60% of the drainage work is complete, reducing erosion and sediment run off.
• 40% of the outfalls have been repaired, improving drainage structures that discharge water to nearby streams.
• 45% of the bridge repairs are complete, rehabilitating aging infrastructure. 

 

During the morning rush hour, two lanes will carry traffic southbound toward Washington, DC. During the evening rush hour, two lanes will carry traffic northbound toward Maryland.

NPS

Current Construction (Updated April 2024)

I-495 to Route 123

The National Park Service (NPS) has entered the next phase of the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project. In January, the three-lane traffic pattern, with a reversible lane, between I-495 and Route 123 shifted from the northbound lanes to the southbound lanes of the parkway. The NPS expects this three-lane traffic pattern to be in effect through late 2025. Crews continue repairs on the northbound side of the parkway, including reconstructing the existing roadway, curb, drainage, and masonry guard wall.

Lane Configuration:

• Temporary Lane: The temporary lane remains in place in the median of the parkway between the Route 123 interchange and I-495. This temporary lane will always travel north and drivers heading toward Maryland must use this lane.

• Southbound Lane / Center Lane: The southbound lane closest to the median (or center lane) is a reversible lane and will change direction to travel southbound during the morning rush hour and northbound during the evening rush hour. This lane is closed outside of weekday rush hour, on weekends and holidays.

• Southbound Lane: The southbound lane next to the outside shoulder lane will always travel south.

 

Detour route for Southbound Route 123 to Southeast GWMP.

NPS

Route 123 Interchange Ramp Weekend Detours to Resume in May 2024

Crews will continue rehabilitation activities at the Route 123 interchange through Spring. NPS will resume weekend ramp closures at the GWMP and Route 123 interchange in May, weather permitting. Construction activities requiring the ramp closures include select tree removal, drainage installation, and installation of permanent asphalt pavement. Detours will be in place as shown within the closure details. Crews anticipate the following closure sequence:

Crews continue drainage work on the ramp from southbound Route 123 to southeast GWMP. The ramp closures will resume during weekends in May to complete activities as shown below:

• Weekdays between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. for curb construction.

• Continuous weekend closure starting each Friday at 8 p.m. continuing through to Sunday at 11:59 p.m. for drainage installation and permanent asphalt paving.

 

Detour route for Northbound Route 123 to Southeast GWMP.

NPS

Once work is complete on the ramp from southbound Route 123 to southeast GWMP, Crews will begin work on the ramp from northbound Route 123 to southeast GWMP. This ramp is anticipated to be closed on weekends through early 2024. Closures include weekends between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. for drainage installation.

 

Detour route for Southeast GWMP to Southbound Route 123.

NPS

Once work is complete on the ramp from northbound Route 123 to southeast GWMP, crews will work on the ramp from southeast GWMP to southbound Route 123. Construction will take place during the following periods:

• Step 1: Weekdays between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. for curb construction.

• Step 2: A continuous weekend closure starting each Friday night at 8 p.m. through Sunday night until 11:59 p.m. for permanent asphalt paving.

Crews will complete the required work sequence at each ramp before moving to the next ramp. All work is weather dependent and this schedule is subject to change.

Variable message boards and orange construction signage are posted along the parkway and on Route 123 for updated directions. Drivers should observe traffic signs, respect the 40-mph speed limit, and watch for crews working along the parkway and Route 123 intersection. Motorists should expect additional delays and consider alternate routes.

 

During the morning rush hour, two lanes will carry traffic southbound toward Washington, D.C. During the evening rush hour, two lanes will carry traffic northbound toward Maryland.

NPS

Route 123 to Windy Run Bridge

A temporary three-lane configuration, with a middle reversible lane, between Route 123 to Windy Run Bridge, remains in effect. The right northbound lane is closed for rehabilitation work, including field surveying for drainage structures and outfalls, guardwall reconstruction and water erosion control activities at the outfalls. Crews will begin pouring concrete for curb reconstruction along the northbound lanes. These activities are expected to continue through the Spring.

From Winter 2023 - Fall 2024, both the North Donaldson Overlook and Fort Marcy will be inaccessible from the northbound right lane during non-rush hour times (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.). This configuration extends the existing right lane closure to allow for additional safe work zones for the expedition of rehabilitation work along the northbound shoulder.

Reversible Lane Schedule
The three-lane configuration extends from I-495 to just south of Windy Run Bridge. The reversible lane schedule is as follows:

Weekday morning rush hour (5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.)

• Two lanes southbound (toward Washington, DC).

  • Drivers who need to exit at Route 123 or CIA Headquarters must use the right lane.

• One lane northbound (toward Maryland/Virginia).

Weekday evening rush hour (2:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.)

• Two lanes northbound (toward Maryland/Virginia).

  • Drivers who need to exit at Route 123, CIA Headquarters or towards Maryland must use the right lane.
  • Drivers who need to exit towards Virginia on I-495 should use the center lane.

• One lane southbound (toward Washington, DC).

Weekdays (9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.) weekends and major holidays

• One lane southbound (toward Washington, DC).

• One lane northbound (toward Maryland/Virginia).

To increase safety, small physical barriers divide the narrow travel lanes. Commercial vehicles are restricted from the parkway at all times. Signage will direct drivers to the appropriate lanes. Motorists who wish to exit the parkway at the CIA and Route 123 must remain in the right lane. The center lane will be used as a through lane during rush hour for traffic to exit at either end of the parkway at I-495 or Spout Run Parkway. Northbound motorists who wish to exit the parkway onto I-495 into Maryland must remain in the right lane.

During non-rush hour periods, weekends, and holidays, the center reversible lane will be closed, and motorists can expect two travel lanes: one travelling northbound and one travelling southbound.

The NPS expects the three-lane traffic pattern to be in effect through late 2025.

 

Windy Run Bridge to Spout Run Parkway

Crews continue select tree removal activities ahead of rehabilitation work between Windy Run Bridge to Spout Run Parkway. Tree removal will be completed before temporary widening activities on the northbound side of the parkway begin later this year. Crews anticipate closing the right northbound lane in Spring 2024 for rehabilitation work. Current activities may require daily lane closures during the following times:

Weekday lane closures:

• Northbound lane closures from 6:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

• Southbound lane closures from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday lane closures:

• Northbound left lane from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Southbound left lane from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nighttime lane closure hours (weather dependent):

• Northbound lane closures from 7:15 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

• Southbound lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

All work is weather permitting.

 

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 continue with bridge work:

• Dead Run & Turkey Run Bridges: Repairs on the left lane.

• Dead Run, Pimmit Run, Donaldson Run, and Gulf Branch Bridges: Repairs on and below the bridge surface.

Temporary barriers remain in place at Pimmit Run, Glebe Road, Gulf Branch, Donaldson Run, Dead Run, Windy Run, and Turkey Run bridges with narrower lane widths as work continues. No additional traffic delays are anticipated at this time.

 

Construction Zone Safety

Please slow down and be cautious while driving through work zones on the parkway.

• 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.

 

Inclement Weather and Potential Traffic Impacts

The NPS may shift the reversible lane schedule or close the parkway in the event of inclement weather forecasts. NPS will distribute information on inclement weather travel impacts via our email subscription list, this website, and social media.

 

Potomac Heritage National Trail Partially Closed through late Spring 2024

A portion of the Potomac Heritage National Trail is closed under the Glebe Road Bridge for safety reasons. Crews installed containment platforms for blasting and painting activities under the bridge limiting space between the bridge and pedestrian trail. The partial closure of the trail is in place through the late Spring of 2024 as a safe detour is unavailable. Signage has been posted at trail entrance and exit points. Click here for more information on the trail closure.

 

Construction Signage on the North Parkway

 

This is the temporary construction signage motorists will see while traveling along the North Parkway.

NPS

 

 

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.