Springtime Construction Continues At C&O Canal Towpath

Summer approaches and normally hundreds of area residents would flock to Potomac to take advantage of the area’s access. This year residents will have to find alternative ways to enjoy the National Park, as construction continues on the towpath near .

The site is busy with spring construction, according to the National Park Service. The contractor has placed concrete for the caissons, grade beam and slab for the new land bridge over the Washington Aqueduct. Within the towpath's breach, the stonemasons continue to recover stones for restoration of the  stonewall on top of the new concrete footing. The contractor also has installed the first segments of new under-drain pipe within the canal prism.

As construction continues, visitors will experience periodic closures of all parking areas across from the Old Angler’s Inn on MacArthur Boulevard, as well as the lower drop off lot. The middle entrance to the parking areas remains closed and vehicle traffic is prohibited from 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily in the upper lot and the lower drop off lot. Limited parking will be available for both the upper lot and the lower drop off lot after 5 p.m.

Alternative parking is available at Carderock and Great Falls. All visitors are asked to obey posted closure signs and stay on designated detour routes for their safety.  The expected completion date for the work remains fall 2012.