Record of Determination for partial and temporary closures to Arlington Memorial Bridge and Memorial Circle during Construction

This Memorandum to File (Memo) is intended to document the rescinding of a Record of Determination for partial and temporary closure to Arlington Memorial Bridge and Memorial Circle during construction. Additionally, this Memo rescinds the 10-ton load restriction for the Arlington Memorial Bridge implemented in 2015. As of December 4, 2020, the rehabilitation project at Arlington Memorial Bridge is substantially complete therefore the record of determination (RoD) and the load restriction no longer apply. The RoD, originally signed on April 26, 2018, had two main functions; to impose “a partial and temporary closure to lanes and pedestrian paths on Arlington Memorial Bridge and Memorial Circle,” and to announce that because of these closures, “beginning on June 1, 2018, permit applications for physical presence of the bridge (would) be denied.” The ROD sites that “given the safety and security protections necessary in the closed areas for such construction and associated activities less restrictive measure (would) not suffice.” The RoD is pursuant to 36 C.F.R § 1.5. The 10-ton load restriction was based on the findings from the Federal Highway Administration's 2015 bridge inspection report. The National Park Service in consultation with the Federal Highway Administration enacted the load restriction in May 2015. Upon receipt of the final load rating report from the Federal Highway Administration the park will complete its administrative record for future reference and use when issuing special use permits.