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The George Washington Parkway in Virginia is closed between Capital Beltway and Virginia 123 after the roadway was compromised after heavy rains on Thursday night. Crews now evaluate the damage. Commuters who take the busy route should think beyond morning rush hours, as WTOP Traffic indicates that this will likely be a problem in the afternoon.
The George Washington Parkway in Virginia is closed between Capital Beltway and Virginia 123 after the roadway was compromised after heavy rains on Thursday night.
The closure of the busy commuting route is causing massive backups on the Beltway and roads to D.C.
"It's a significant closure that will most likely affect the afternoon race. People have to be careful now, "said Steve Dresner, a reporter for WTOP Traffic.
Teams are on hand to assess the damage.
#Recent news GW Parkway 495 South #vatraffic is now completely closed, video of # Chopper4 shows workers measuring a chasm seeming to be about 6 to 8 feet deep and 3 feet wide, able to run under a roadway #dctraffic @nbcwashington @wtop pic.twitter.com/uwdYQYoqvW
– Brad Freitas (@ Chopper4Brad) March 22, 2019
Damage occurs on northbound lanes, which closed shortly before 6:00 am
The National Parks Service and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Service described the damage as a gulf. The footage from the NBC Washington helicopter shows that the hole is about 3 feet wide and maybe 6 to 8 feet deep.
According to Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles, spokesperson for the National Park Service, the boardwalk will be closed at least until morning rush hour.
GWMP UPDATE: The initial on-site assessment indicates that the Gouffre can be very extensive. Crews are closing the PSGM lanes north and south during the morning peak period. Prolonged closure likely. #VATraffic
– Jenny A-S NPS (@NPSJennyAS) March 22, 2019
Northway GW Parkway CLOSED after the CIA for road damage, # Chopper4 with a close-up view, use 123 Chain Bridge Rd to get to the device #vatraffic @ First4Traffic @DildineWTOP #Recent news pic.twitter.com/8rzMEp0im7
– Brad Freitas (@ Chopper4Brad) March 22, 2019
The closure comes after heavy rains on Thursday.
How much rain has fallen?
The rains set an unofficial record at Dulles International Airport with 2.69 inches.
At Reagan National Airport, 1.96 inches fell, but that did not break the record set in 1918 with a drop of 2.15 inches.
At Baltimore-Washington airport, a record was almost established. The airport saw 1.74 inches on Thursday. The record, set in 2000, is 1.77 inches.
Many road problems
Roads in the area are dotted with road and pothole problems, resulting in slowing or distorting drivers.
The right lane of Interstate 295 heading south, before the national harbor, is blocked due to structural road problems.
In California, drivers have to make a gap to avoid a huge pothole on Main Avenue and Independence Avenue. Drivers must go right.
This is a story in development. Come back for updates.
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