Record of Determination for Temporary Speed Reduction between I-495 off ramp to Spout Run Parkway during Construction

W24 GWMP, North Parkway
Rehabilitation Project
Order # 24-002

The National Park Service has determined that 36 C.F.R. § 4.21 requires a temporary vehicular speed reduction as a part of the project to rehabilitate the north section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The dates of the speed reduction shall be effective during the ongoing repair and construction on the Parkway. It is expected that construction will be complete by December 31, 2025.

The ongoing repair and construction project will improve the driving experience, safety, and water drainage while retaining and reviving the historic beauty and significance of the parkway. The regular speed limit on the Parkway varies from 25 to 50 miles per hour, as posted using standard traffic control devices. To ensure high standards of safety and security protections during construction, the Parkway is reducing the regular speed limit at work zones. The speed limit on Parkway roads under repair or construction is automatically set at 25 miles per hour. 36 C.F.R. § 4.21(a)(2). In some portions of the Parkway, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 4.21(b) the Superintendent has determined that 25 miles per hour is unreasonably low, unsafe, and inconsistent with the purposes for which the Parkway was established, to wit, functioning as part of a comprehensive system of parkways surrounding the nation’s capital. In those portions of the Parkway, the Superintendent and has set the speed limit above 25 miles per hour while construction continues.

The Superintendent has determined that a temporary speed limit of 40 miles per hour is reasonable, safe, and consistent with the parkway’s purpose in affected areas of the parkway. All speed limits will be posted as applicable using standard traffic control devices. 36 C.F.R. § 4.21(b). Operating a vehicle in excess of any posted speed limit is prohibited by the Code of Federal Regulations.

Nothing in this order is intended to prevent the National Park Service, its employees, volunteers, partners, contractors, subcontractors, or designees from access and fulfilling their administrative duties and responsibilities.

This is a determination pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 4.21(b) and 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c). Accordingly, the National Park Service determines publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register is unwarranted under 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c).

This determination is effective on May 13, 2024, and will remain in effect until the ongoing repair and construction project is complete. Pursuant to 36 CFR Section 4.21, notice of this temporary reduction in speed will be made through posting of standard traffic control devices in the affected park areas This determination is available to the public upon request.

Approval: Charles Cuvelier, Superintendent
Date: May 29, 2024

Last updated: May 29, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

George Washington Memorial Parkway Headquarters
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway

McLean, VA 22101

Phone:

703 289-2500

Contact Us