YORKTOWN — The National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration announced the first phase of the Colonial Parkway Rehabilitation project is wrapping up and the next phase is set to begin on April 9.
The project, funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), will revitalize the historic parkway’s infrastructure, ensuring its functionality for the next 40 to 50 years, according to Colonial National Historical Park.
“We are so thankful for the GAOA funding that has been provided to rehabilitate the Colonial Parkway and reduce the park’s maintenance backlog,” said Superintendent Jerri Marr. “We understand the impact of the closures and appreciate visitors’ patience as we continue the work of this incredibly important infrastructure project. For the safety of visitors and workers, please adhere to posted speed limits and pay attention to the information provided on the electronic variable message signs, detour signs, caution signs and closure signs. All visitors should be on the lookout for construction workers, vehicles, equipment and any traffic stoppages or lane closures along the parkway.”
The next phase will see a new set of closures and detours, including the closure of the parkway from the Ringfield Pullout on Felgate’s Creek to the Penniman Road Bridge near state Route 199. As a result, visitors will not be able to travel on the Colonial Parkway in either direction between Yorktown and Route 199. Visitors should follow posted detour signs as appropriate depending on their destination.
The current closures from Ballard Street in Yorktown to Fusiliers Road and both U.S. Route 17 access ramps remain in effect through this phase of the project. Additionally, the parkway will remain closed from near state Route 199 in Williamsburg to, and including, the Williamsburg tunnel. During this phase, this closure will extend from the tunnel to include the North England Street access ramp. All traffic, including local traffic, must exit at state Route 132Y.
Visitors may still access the parkway at Fusiliers Road to enjoy scenic pull-outs along the York River, but they will need to travel back to Fusiliers Road to exit the parkway, the park said.
The overall project includes the rehabilitation of exposed aggregate pavement, repair of eleven bridges and rehabilitation of the Williamsburg Tunnel. Additionally, the work includes improved stormwater management, reconditioned shoulders and ditches, enlarged culverts and armored drainage channels. The project will also replicate historic exposed aggregate pavement, brick bridges and culvert headwalls, according to the park.
Accessible project information is available on the Colonial Parkway Rehabilitation website, which also offers project news, updates and information on closures, detours and other impacts. To learn more about Colonial National Historical Park and Colonial Parkway, visit: nps.gov/colo/
