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Part of George Washington Parkway reopens after protest

Northbound lanes of the parkway were closed briefly between Sprout Run and Chain Bridge Wednesday morning.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A heads up for drivers on George Washington Memorial Parkway. Northbound lanes were shut down around 9 a.m. Wednesday morning because of demonstrators in the roadway. Police cleared the protesters and the road was reopened by 9:50 a.m. 

Northbound lanes were closed between Sprout Run Parkway and Chain Bridge in the area of the overlooks, according to U.S. Park Police. Drivers in the area were asked to seek alternative routes.

USPP officers were called to  the scene providing traffic control.

The climate action group Declare Emergency posted photos and videos claiming they were the group blocking traffic.

"Declare Emergency supporters block traffic because this is an emergency, we all need to act like it," the group said in a tweet.

One of the protesters was seen holding a sign that said "No Willow Project."

The recent approval of ConocoPhillips' big Willow drilling project by the Bureau of Land Management will allow three drill sites including up to 199 total wells.

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Check out our interactive traffic map for the latest on road conditions in your area. 

This is a developing story. We are working to gather additional details. Stay with WUSA9 for the latest updates as they come in to our newsroom. 

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