The stretch of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Fairfax County that was closed due to severe storm damage last Friday will reopen in time for Wednesday’s morning commute, officials confirmed Tuesday.
Parkway Closure Due to Storm Damage
The National Park Service (NPS) shut down a 2.5-mile section of the parkway between Belle View Boulevard and Alexandria Avenue after intense storms swept through the area on Friday. The storms caused widespread damage, including over 50 fallen or damaged trees that blocked and threatened the safety of the road.
Cleanup Efforts Working Around the Clock
Since the closure, NPS staff and contractors have been working long hours to clear debris and make repairs. Their efforts focused on removing fallen trees and ensuring that the roadway is safe for public travel once again.
“The safety of drivers and pedestrians is our top priority,” said an NPS spokesperson. “We’ve been working nonstop to reopen this critical stretch of road as quickly as possible.”
Impact on Commuters and Traffic
With the parkway closed, drivers have had to rely on detours, leading to significant delays during rush hour. Local residents expressed frustration over longer commutes and congested alternate routes.
Sarah Jenkins, who commutes daily from Fairfax, said, “The detours have really made my mornings stressful. I’m relieved the parkway is reopening soon.”
Storm’s Deadly Toll
The storms that forced the closure of the George Washington Parkway were not only disruptive but also deadly. Two people lost their lives when trees fell on their vehicles during the storm, including one tragic incident on the parkway itself.
Looking Ahead: Parkway Reopens Wednesday
The NPS confirmed that the parkway will reopen before the Wednesday morning rush, providing much-needed relief for commuters and residents alike.
Officials remind drivers to continue exercising caution as cleanup work concludes and normal traffic resumes.
Community Remembers Those Lost
The community continues to mourn the loss of the two victims. Local leaders have urged residents to stay vigilant during severe weather and to report hazardous conditions immediately.
What You Need to Know
- What: George Washington Memorial Parkway (2.5-mile section)
- Where: Between Belle View Boulevard and Alexandria Avenue, Fairfax County
- Why Closed: Severe storm damage with fallen/damaged trees
- Reopening: Scheduled before Wednesday morning commute
- Impact: Detours caused heavy traffic delays
- Fatalities: Two people died when trees fell on vehicles during the storm
The reopening of the parkway marks a hopeful step toward normalcy after a weekend of devastation and disruption in Fairfax County.
If you have photos or updates related to the storm cleanup, please share them with the National Park Service or local authorities to aid ongoing recovery efforts.
