G.W. Parkway Project to Fix Long-Term Problems

WASHINGTON -- One of the region's busiest roads is staring down a construction project that could last as long as six years.

Potholes, dangerous sight lines and poor drainage plague the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run and Interstate 495 in Arlington and Fairfax counties.

Now a major, $54 million rehabilitation project is being planned for the nearly 8-mile stretch of road.

"This section of the Parkway was designed and constructed back in the late '60s," says Garth Shull, chief of technical services for the project.

Because of its age, the northern section of the George Washington Parkway now carries more traffic than it was designed to handle.

"Since the section of the roadway was built, there's been an increase in the posted speed limit," says Shull. "The project would improve a lot of the road-side features and design to better facilitate that speed."

The parkway, which falls under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, also needs an improved interchange at Route 123.

"It has a real tight geometry and it has inadequate merge lanes," says Shull.

The project would raise the height of the Parkway's distinctive, historic, rock walls.

"Right now the walls are about 18 inches high. They are going to have to go up to 27 inches," says Shull.

That becomes an important factor because the northern stretch has some of the most spectacular views of the Potomac River and surrounding area.

Currently, the project is still in a design phase, with about 30 percent completed.

Shull says construction would not start until 2010 at the earliest. However, once the work does begin, it will take place in three separate stages which could last as long a six years.

The public has a chance to weigh in on the project.

The National Park Service is holding two public information meetings. One will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at the McLean Community Center at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean, Va.

Another meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 3 at the Parkway's Headquarters in Turkey Run Park at 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean, Va.

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