On Saturday, April 15, the National Park Service (NPS) will implement a new, temporary traffic pattern on George Washington Memorial Parkway between I-495 and Route 123 for the next phase of the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project. Drivers should observe traffic signs, respect the 40-mph speed limit, expect delays through narrow travel lanes and plan alternate routes. 

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 or CIA Headquarters must use the right lane. 

• One lane southbound (toward Washington, DC). 

 Weekdays (9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.) and weekends 

• One lane southbound (toward Washington, DC). 

• One lane northbound (toward Maryland/Virginia). 

The NPS expects this three-lane traffic pattern to be in effect through late 2025. To increase safety, small physical barriers will divide the narrow, 10-foot-wide lanes. Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000lbs are always prohibited from using the parkway.

In the case of heavy rain, the traffic shift will begin on Saturday, April 22.

Bridge work will continue on George Washington Memorial Parkway between the I-495 interchange and Spout Run Parkway.

How this is happening 

Crews have installed a temporary lane in the median of George Washington Memorial Parkway between I-495 and the Route 123 interchange. This temporary lane will serve as a reversible lane, which provides flexibility to change direction for morning and evening rush hours. This traffic pattern allows the project contractor greater access to the roadway, which will reduce the time needed to complete the project.

Where to find more information 

Construction on the parkway will affect drivers for the duration of the rehabilitation, through December 2025. Message boards and orange construction signs along the parkway provide important information and directions, and drivers can see construction updates and opt-in to receive emails about traffic impacts, meetings and major project milestones on the project webpage.

Background   

The Department of the Interior announced the rehabilitation of the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway on December 7, 2021. In partnership with the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration awarded a $161 million contract to rehabilitate this section of the parkway. The project, made possible by Great American Outdoors Act funding, will improve safety, the driving experience and water drainage while retaining and reviving the historic beauty and significance of the parkway – including opening scenic views to Washington, D.C. The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025.

Original source can be found here.