If you’ve experienced the single-lane configuration of the GW Parkway in Fairfax County, get ready for it to come to Arlington.
The upcoming work is part of the next phase of the major Parkway rehabilitation project announced in 2021.
The National Park Service just announced that one northbound lane of the GW Parkway will close between Spout Run and Route 123 starting next Saturday, June 29, and continuing through August. A southbound lane closure will also be in effect, but will be lifted during the morning rush hour to allow a two-lane configuration from 5:30-9:30 a.m. on weekdays.
“A three-lane traffic configuration with a reversible lane is not possible between Spout Run Parkway and Windy Run Bridge due to the different heights of the northbound and southbound lanes,” NPS noted.
To prepare for the work, the Parkway will completely close starting Friday, June 28 at 8 p.m. through the next morning, around 7 a.m.
“Motorists should expect northbound traffic detours on select weekends through the fall to allow crews to perform drainage and utility work,” the Park Service added. “During this time, both northbound lanes will be closed, and traffic will be detoured.”
More, below, from an NPS press release.
As part of the next phase of the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project, the National Park Service (NPS) advises drivers traveling north on the George Washington Memorial Parkway to slow down and remain alert as traffic will merge at Spout Run Parkway. The inner (left) northbound lane will be open to traffic while the outside (right) northbound lane is closed for construction between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123 beginning June 29 through late August 2024. Drivers will be detoured starting 8 p.m. Friday, June 28 while crew members prepare the roadway, weather permitting, and the new parkway traffic pattern will begin after 7 a.m. Saturday, June 29.
From 8 p.m. Friday, June 28 through 7 a.m. Saturday, June 29, all traffic heading northbound on the parkway will be detoured to Spout Run Parkway to Glebe Road to Route 123 to re-enter the parkway. During this time, both northbound lanes will be closed to allow crews to install a temporary traffic barrier to create a work zone.
Starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, June 29 through August 2024, drivers will use the inner (left) northbound lane while the outer (right) northbound lane is closed for construction activities. Only a single, northbound lane will be open at all times, including during rush hour, between Spout Run Parkway and the Route 123 interchange. There will be two travel lanes in the southbound direction during morning rush hour from 5:30 – 9:30 a.m. and one southbound lane at all other times.
Motorists should expect northbound traffic detours on select weekends through the fall to allow crews to perform drainage and utility work. During this time, both northbound lanes will be closed, and traffic will be detoured.
A three-lane traffic configuration with a reversible lane is not possible between Spout Run Parkway and Windy Run Bridge due to the different heights of the northbound and southbound lanes.
Future phases
There will be additional traffic changes later this fall as the project progresses.
- Spout Run Parkway to Windy Run Bridge: The NPS expects to shift traffic from the inner (left) to the outer (right) northbound lane in mid-fall through late 2024. The northbound lanes will both reopen upon completion in late 2024. Long-term lane closures on the southbound lanes are scheduled for spring 2025 through late 2025.
- Windy Run Bridge to Route 123: The NPS plans to shift traffic to the northbound lanes this fall. Long-term lane closures will continue beyond late 2024.
The NPS will share more details before each detour and traffic shift. All work is weather permitting and subject to change.
The NPS understands the parkway’s importance for motorists and is working efficiently to complete its rehabilitation. The goal is to minimize prolonged congestion while ensuring safety for the public and construction crews. Drivers should:
- Observe traffic signs.
- Respect the 40-mph speed limit.
- Expect delays through narrow lanes.
- Plan alternate routes.
- Remember vehicles over 10,000 lbs. are always prohibited from using the parkway.
