WASHINGTON — The National Park Service will spend more than $12 million in an effort to preserve and rehabilitate the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood.
The aim of the project is to reduce flooding risk during storms and high-water events, and preserve key parts of our country's early transportation history. The project is expected to last through the winter of 2026, depending on the weather. Construction will require intermittent towpath detours in Georgetown.
The NPS-funded project will focus on historic canal features including Inlet Lock 1, which diverts water from the Potomac River to the five-mile-section of the canal in Georgetown; Locks 1, 2 and 5; and the canal walls at Level 4. The project will:
- Stabilize canal structures including the historic stone walls in Georgetown.
- Increase the resilience of the historic locks and towpath against flooding and other climate associated hazards.
- Repair water structures, from the lift locks to the feeder channel, to regain watertightness.
"This project continues the NPS’s work to preserve the canal and provide authentic, active places for people to enjoy now and in the future," the park service said in a press release. "Each of the canal structures being repaired – from the feeder channel to the various locks – have a critical role in water operations. This rehabilitation makes it possible to maintain the watered canal and towpath visitors use to explore this part of the park."
Preparations are expected to begin on March 5.
During construction, portions of the towpath in Georgetown between 34th Street NW and Rock Creek Parkway may be closed with temporary detours through adjacent streets and alleys. Most of the temporary detours are 0.3 miles or less in added distance. Visitors are asked to obey all signs and flaggers and use caution around work areas. The Lock 5 parking lot will be closed during the entire rehabilitation project. Parking and towpath access will remain available at Lock 6, located 0.3 miles from Lock 5.
Water in the canal will remain lowered throughout this project. Water will be channeled back into the canal when construction is complete and there is no risk of freezing.
Additional project details can be found here.
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