President Trump’s Landmark Conservation Law Facilitates New Milestone for George Washington Memorial Parkway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14, 2026

Contact: National Park Service, National Capital Region Communications and Community Engagement, e-mail us

Headline: President Trump's Landmark Conservation Law Facilitates New Milestone for George Washington Memorial Parkway

WASHINGTON - The National Park Service today announced that all lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway north section are now open during rush hour. Parkway improvements include safer pavement, improved drainage, and restored historic overlooks while reducing disruption for motorists and visitors. About 26 million drivers use the parkway each year.

This project was funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. Signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2020, the GAOA remains one of the most significant conservation achievements of his administration. The law provides permanent funding to address long-deferred maintenance needs across the National Park System, ensuring safe, resilient and accessible public lands for generations to come.

"After decades of wear, this is a game changer for the millions who rely on the parkway," said George Washington Memorial Parkway Superintendent Jennifer Madello. "With all lanes open during rush hour, drivers feel the difference right away: smoother pavement, safer travel, and a scenic route that looks and functions the way it should. We're grateful for the public's patience and commitment to driving at safe speeds as we finish the last pieces and bring this historic corridor back to its best."

NPS conducted the work in stages, using targeted weekend work, temporary ramp closures, lane shifts during off-peak hours, and night work when needed to keep drivers and crews safe while keeping the project moving.

Through spring, crews will complete the finishing work that improves safety and restores the landscape. They will finish the guardrails, clean up work sites, restore the median, and plant trees, all during off-peak hours.

The contract also adds additional improvements. Crews will repair the Route 123 Bridge and repave segments of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run and Alexandria.

To work safely, crews will close portions of the exit ramps beneath both sides of the overpass at times. They may also close a single lane at the Route 123 interchange outside of peak hours.

The park will share updates on this added work as more information becomes available. Drivers should follow posted signs, slow down in work areas, and check official park channels for the latest updates before traveling.

Along with transportation projects, GAOA investments are improving recreation opportunities by repairing or replacing trails, campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic shelters, wildlife viewing platforms, and more, helping visitors create memorable experiences in the places they love.

Learn more and sign up for email updates: go.nps.gov/northparkway

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE National Park Service employees care for America's more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.