Traffic & Transit
Key Route To Reopen After Severe Storm Damage Affecting 50+ Trees
Severe storms with winds up to 70 and 80 mph brought down trees on a major route, causing the death of one person.
4:15 p.m. Tuesday update: The National Park Service will reopen the closed section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway before Wednesday morning's rush hour.
FORT HUNT, VA — Part of George Washington Memorial Parkway remains closed south of Alexandria City due to Friday's severe storm damage. One death was reported on the parkway due to a downed tree from the storms. There were an estimated 50 fallen or damaged trees for the National Park Service to address before the road was safe to reopen Wednesday.
The National Park Service said Friday evening's severe storm brought heavy rain and winds up to 70 and 80 mph. On the portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway south of Alexandria, about 15 trees fell onto the parkway and more fell in other areas of the park. Dozens more had damages ranging from destabilized roots and cracked limbs to entanglement with surrounding trees.
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As of Monday, a 2.5-mile section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway is closed between Belle View Boulevard and Alexandria Avenue in Fairfax County. The National Park Service says it could be closed through at least the Tuesday morning rush hour.
"Our top priority is public safety," said Superintendent Jennifer Madello of the National Park Service. "We appreciate the public’s patience as we respond to the storm’s impacts and ensure the area is safe for travel."
Find out what's happening in Old Town Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to NPS, trees posing the greatest risk have to be removed. Crews first responded to the area Friday evening and have been working extended shifts to remove downed trees, debris and other hazards.
NPS plans to provide an update on the road closure on Tuesday.
Friday's storm was tied to two deaths in the area. One person was killed when a tree fell on a vehicle on the nearby George Washington Memorial Parkway, near Morningside Lane in Fort Hunt, U.S. Park Police told WTOP. The other death happened when a tree fell on a woman's car near Manor Drive and Pole Road in Woodlawn.
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