Historic preservation work began today (Thursday) on several structures and memorials near Arlington National Cemetery, resulting in lane closures on Washington Blvd and GW Parkway.
Through mid to late May, the National Park Service will be cleaning the Boundary Channel Bridge, repairing deteriorating mortar and conducting restoration work on the Seabees Memorial, the United Spanish War Veterans Memorial and the structural bases of the nearby eagle statues.
“The project ensures these historic resources are protected, restored, and ready to be showcased as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary,” a press release says.
The project will bring lane closures during off-peak hours on Washington Blvd and on GW Parkway under the bridge. Crews will close half of the travel lanes at a time from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
“Traffic control and signs will guide drivers through the area,” the release says. “Crews will clean the bridge with hot water, and it may drip or spray onto passing vehicles. No chemicals will be used, and water will not harm paint.”
Pedestrians trying to cross Boundary Channel Bridge will be rerouted to crosswalks along Memorial Avenue between the Arlington National Cemetery Metro station and Memorial Circle.
The National Park Service referenced an executive order from President Donald Trump titled “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful,” which expressed a commitment to making D.C.’s public spaces “beautiful, clean, and safe.” (Memorial Circle is technically in the District, while the Seabees Memorial and the United Spanish War Veterans Memorial are in Arlington.)
The press release made no mention of Trump’s proposal to build a triumphal arch in the middle of the roundabout connecting Memorial Bridge, Arlington Blvd, Washington Blvd and Memorial Avenue.
The complete press release is below.
The National Park Service will begin historic preservation work along the Memorial Avenue Corridor on March 19, 2026, with work expected to continue through mid- to late May.
This effort advances President Donald J. Trump’s executive order, “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful,” and reflects a broader commitment to preserving the nation’s most significant memorial landscapes. The project ensures these historic resources are protected, restored, and ready to be showcased as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.
Crews will clean the Boundary Channel Bridge, repair deteriorating mortar, and restore key commemorative features, including the Seabees Memorial, the United Spanish War Veterans Memorial, and granite elements along the bridge and at Memorial Circle. Work will also focus on the structural bases supporting the iconic eagle statues.
Traffic and pedestrian impactsTraffic and pedestrian impacts
The work will affect pedestrian access on the bridge and vehicle traffic under it.
Drivers will encounter lane closures on Washington Boulevard and the southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway under the bridge. Crews will close lanes during off-peak hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to reduce commuter impacts, and will close half of the travel lanes at a time so they can work safely. Traffic control and signs will guide drivers through the area. Crews will clean the bridge with hot water, and it may drip or spray onto passing vehicles. No chemicals will be used, and water will not harm paint.
Crews will temporarily reroute pedestrians across Boundary Channel Bridge to crosswalks along Memorial Avenue between the Arlington National Cemetery Metro Station and Memorial Circle.
Drivers and pedestrians should use caution and follow posted signs and directions from traffic personnel. The National Park Service thanks the public for its patience during the work.
For updates on George Washington Memorial Parkway, visit www.nps.gov/gwmp.
