THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
The National Park Service will temporarily close all southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in two sections between Tulane Drive and Alexandria Avenue from Monday, Oct. 5 through Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.Closures will occur during non-rush hour times between 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., one segment at a time, and southbound traffic will detour onto Fort Hunt Road.
Official NPS source
You don’t have to travel far to find spectacular fall color. National parks across the Washington, D.C., region offer countless ways to experience autumn, from mountain trails and Potomac River views to historic battlefields, urban forests and the National Mall.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service today announced the designation of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial as an Affiliated Area of the National Park System, formally recognizing the memorial’s national significance and strengthening the partnership to preserve and share the stories of the 184 victims killed at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on September 11, 2001.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is advising motorists that the existing full northbound closure of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123 will continue through September 17, 2026. The northbound closure, which began August 10, will continue Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All northbound traffic will be detoured around the closure. Beginning September 21 and continuing through October 29, 2026, all southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Route 123 and Spout Run Parkway will be closed Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Crews will conduct tree assessments, pruning and tree removal along the parkway.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will temporarily close all northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123 beginning Aug. 10 through Sept. 1, 2026.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service invites additional public comment on the Assessment of Effects Report for the proposed Triumphal Arch within the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Official NPS source
The Department of the Interior today celebrated the completion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway North Section Rehabilitation, a once-in-a-generation renewal of one of the region’s most beautiful and heavily used routes into the nation’s capital.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service invites you to comment on a proposed update to the management plan for the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the historic network of forts, batteries and parkland that protected the nation’s capital during the Civil War.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will start work Thursday, April 23 to begin resurfacing the George Washington Memorial Parkway and replacing pedestrian crossing medians between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and First Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will begin lane closures from the northbound and southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway exits to the Turkey Run Loop Road on April 6, 2026. Detours will be in place to access to Turkey Run Loop Road.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will begin lane closures the week of March 23 to resurface sections of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Interstate 395 and between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and First Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
Official NPS source
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.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service invites the public to comment on a proposed vista management plan for a 2.65-mile section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Spout Run and the Glebe Road Bridge. This plan will guide long-term care of historic scenic views along this stretch of the parkway.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service has signed a finding of no significant impact for a rehabilitation project at Clara Barton National Historic Site, determining that the planned improvements will not cause significant harm to the environment.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service issued a finding of no significant impact for the Clara Barton Parkway Cantilever Bridge and Glen Echo Overpass Project. The decision confirms the work will not cause significant harm to the environment.
Official NPS source
The George Washington Memorial Parkway invites the public to comment on a management plan amendment and environmental assessment for Glen Echo Park in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Official NPS sourceDue to winter weather impacts, multiple park areas and facilities managed by the George Washington Memorial Parkway will remain closed to ensure visitor safety and allow crews to address hazardous conditions, including snow and ice. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media channels.
Official NPS sourceDue to winter weather impacts, multiple park areas and facilities managed by the George Washington Memorial Parkway will remain closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026 to ensure visitor safety and allow crews to address hazardous conditions, including snow and ice. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media channels. Next update expected: Tuesday, January 27.
Official NPS sourceDue to winter weather impacts, George Washington Memorial Parkway is planning to close multiple park areas and facilities starting Sunday, January 25 through at least Monday January 26. Areas will reopen as soon as conditions are safe. For the latest updates, visitors should check www.nps.gov/gwmp and GWMP social media channels. Next update expected: Monday, January 26, once the storm event has concluded.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service today announced that all lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway north section are now open during rush hour.
Official NPS source
Designed to withstand freezing temperatures, the new stations help keep water available even when winter weather arrives.
Official NPS sourceRibbon cutting and remarks celebrating 14 new freeze-resistant drinking fountains and bottle-filling stations installed along the Mount Vernon Trail.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites you to help shape a plan for safety, trail, and waterfront improvements near the Old Town North neighborhood. Your input will guide future upgrades along George Washington Memorial Parkway, the Mount Vernon Trail, and the Potomac waterfront in connection with the proposed 18.8-acre mixed-use redevelopment district on the site of the former coal-fired power plant.
Official NPS source
You are invited to attend the Clara Barton Symposium, highlighting new historical research conducted by Georgetown University students. This free event will take place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Glen Echo Park.
Official NPS sourceOver the next eight weeks, the National Park Service will conduct tree maintenance along the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Mount Vernon and just south of Alexandria.
Official NPS source
The EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts from replacing the cantilever structure and adjacent retaining walls between Cabin John Parkway and the Macarthur Boulevard exit ramp, and demolishing the unused Glen Echo Overpass, an associated feature of Clara Barton Parkway. Comments on the EA will be accepted September 9, 2025 through October 9, 2025.
Official NPS source
The North Parkway Rehabilitation Project will close the ramp from the southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) to westbound Route 123 and from westbound Route 123 to southbound GWMP starting August 11 through mid-September, weather permitting.
Official NPS source
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is rolling out a major upgrade to its public amenities by installing up to 14 new water bottle refill and drinking stations at high-traffic areas throughout the park. All the new stations are replacing older drinking fountains, upgrading them to include modern bottle fillers to better serve visitors and support sustainability. The project aims to improve year-round access to safe drinking water and reduce waste along the Potomac River corridor.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS), through its George Washington Memorial Parkway, is excited to announce plans to rehabilitate the Clara Barton National Historic Site— and we want your input! Your voice matters. The park is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) that explains the proposed work and its potential impacts. Once the EA is released, there will be a public comment period. You’ll be able to review the document and share your thoughts. Comment Period: July 15 – Sept. 9, 2025.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) continues work on the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project, with new travel impacts beginning June 12.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) plans to reopen the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) before the Wednesday morning rush hour.
Official NPS sourceA 2.5-mile stretch of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) between Belle View Boulevard and Alexandria Avenue remains closed as National Park Service (NPS) and contracted crews continue emergency clearing and safety operations following a powerful storm on Friday evening that brought heavy rainfall and winds reaching 70–80 mph.
Official NPS source
The North Parkway Rehabilitation Project will close the exit to and from Turkey Run Park from northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) starting April 1 through late April, weather permitting.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to share comments on the development of a Management Plan (Plan) update and a corresponding Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW) located in the District of Columbia; Fairfax County, Virginia; and Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on a proposed project to rehabilitate and replace the Clara Barton Parkway cantilever structure and associated retaining walls, as well as demolish an associated unused bridge in Montgomery County, Maryland. Comments will be accepted from March 17 through April 16, 2025.
Official NPS source
As part of the next phase of the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project, the National Park Service (NPS) will temporarily close the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) between Route 123 and Spout Run Parkway. This is to prepare the work zone for the upcoming traffic shift between Windy Run Bridge and Spout Run Parkway anticipated to begin on March 7.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway has reopened.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway, from 495 to Spout Run, be closed starting at 12 a.m. on February 11 until further notice due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area.
Official NPS source
As part of the next phase of the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project, the National Park Service (NPS) will temporarily close the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) between Route 123 and Spout Run Parkway. This is to prepare the work zone for the upcoming traffic shift between Route 123 and Windy Run Bridge anticipated in late January.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway has reopened.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway North, from 495 to Spout Run, will be closed starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow (January 19) until further notice due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway has reopened.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway North, from 495 to Spout Run, will be closed starting at 6 p.m. today until further notice due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area.
Official NPS source
She will begin her new role on December 29. Madello is currently the program administrator for the National Park Service (NPS) Park Facility Management Division.
Official NPS sourceBeginning January 1, 2025, Great Falls Park, Virginia—managed by the George Washington Memorial Parkway—will shift to a fully cashless entrance fee system. Entrance fees will be payable only by credit/debit card, mobile, or other electronic payment methods.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) has approved two projects that will improve connectivity and safety for people traveling to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and its surrounding areas.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service is set to restore scenic vistas along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Supported by the Great American Outdoors Act, the project will rehabilitate 15 historic views between North Donaldson Overlook and Spout Run Parkway, allowing visitors to enjoy the iconic scenery of the route once again.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway North, from I-495 to Spout Run Parkway, will only have one travel lane open in each direction due to weather conditions.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) will temporarily close the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) between Spout Run Parkway and Route 123. This is to install drainage systems and conduct other required rehabilitation work.
Official NPS source
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.
Official NPS source
Starting Friday, May 31, the National Park Service (NPS) will close the I-495 exit ramp from the northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) toward Maryland. This closure is for drainage installation and rehabilitation work. The ramp will be closed from 8 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday, June 3. If needed, the ramp may also be closed the following weekend, starting Friday, June 7, depending on the weather.
Official NPS source
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 19, the National Park Service (NPS) officially reopened Bridge 23 on the Mount Vernon Trail, located within the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. Cyclists and pedestrians can now safely use the newly reconstructed bridge, which was damaged from prior floods.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway has reopened.
Official NPS sourceThe George Washington Memorial Parkway North, from 495 to Spout Run, will be closed starting at 7 PM today until further notice due to anticipated severe winter weather conditions.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluating the impacts of the proposed improvements along the George Washington Memorial Parkway South Section and Mount Vernon Trail.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is entering the next phase of the North Parkway Rehabilitation Project. The three-lane traffic pattern, with a reversible lane, between I-495 and Route 123 will shift from the northbound lanes to the southbound lanes of the parkway.
Official NPS sourceAs Juneteenth National Independence Day approaches, the National Park Service (NPS) invites you to celebrate this important holiday at nearby national parks. National parks across the Washington, D.C. area will host events commemorating the long, hard road to freedom for African Americans in the United States.
Official NPS sourceMost forests in eastern United States national parks are at risk due to browsing by overabundant white-tailed deer and crowding by invasive plants, according to a National Park Service (NPS) study published in the journal Ecological Applications.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 28,599,634 visitors to national parks in the District of Columbia spent $600,600,000 in 2021. That spending resulted in 5,293 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the District’s economy of $679,400,000.
Official NPS source