GW Parkway, Mount Vernon Trail Improvement Plan To Be Presented

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Changes to the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail are under consideration by the National Park Service.

The proposed improvement plan and environmental assessment focuses on the southern portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between the City of Alexandria and George Washington's Mount Vernon as well as most of the Mount Vernon Trail. According to the National Park Service, the proposal seeks to "enhance the visitor experience for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists."

Potential changes being considered for the parkway's southern portion include road diet on some sections, new crosswalks and intersection changes. A road diet typically involves restriping the roadway to reduce lanes.

As for the Mount Vernon Trail, potential changes could include a trail widening and intersection improvements. This would apply to much of the 18-mile trail between Theodore Roosevelt Island and Mount Vernon, but it would not include the section within the City of Alexandria.

The proposal will be discussed more in detail at a virtual meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. To join the Webinar meeting, visit this link and enter Webinar ID 314-024-315 your email. The meeting will last about an hour and a half and include a chance to ask questions. Pre-registration is not required. To join the meeting by phone with audio only, call 877-309-2074 with phone conference ID 278-447-448. A recording will be available after the meeting.

Public comments will be accepted from Dec. 6 through Jan. 4. Starting Dec. 6, comments can be made online or by mail to Superintendent, Attn: GWMP South and MVT Plan/EA, 700 George Washington Mem Parkway, McLean, VA 22101.