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Redesign Entrance and Intersection at Fletcher's Cove
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park » Redesign Entrance and Intersection at Fletcher's Cove » Document List
The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is proposing to construct a new entrance and upgrade internal roads and parking areas at Fletcher's Boathouse in Washington, DC. The purpose of the proposed project is to provide more direct and safer transportation connections between Canal Road and the Fletcher's Boathouse, the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal towpath, and the Capital Crescent Trail. The project would be located entirely within land administered by the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park; however, it would be designed to be consistent with any future road modifications DDOT may implement in the future.
The transportation upgrades are needed to address the following concerns and ongoing issues affecting the Fletcher's Boathouse area:
• The single-lane entrance ramp provides the only access between the area and Canal Road for entering and exiting traffic, which can result in unsafe traffic situations
• Safe access from Canal Road's eastbound/inbound traffic is nearly impossible due to the entrance ramp's configuration immediately adjacent and parallel to Canal Road
• The geometry and grade differential between the entrance ramp and Canal Road creates inadequate sight distances for entering and exiting traffic
• A one-lane road culvert (tunnel) with low clearance and poor sight distance provides the only vehicle access to the larger, lower parking lot west of the C&O Canal
• Large fire trucks, ambulances, and river rescue crews are severely challenged in gaining unfettered access to the area during an emergency
• Large equipment/trucks have very limited access to the area to perform repair and maintenance to park facilities and the DC Water Odor Abatement Facility
• Existing pedestrian access routes to the project area from outside the park are unsafe and cause pedestrian/vehicular conflicts
• Some portions of the area are not fully compliant with accessibility standards
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, one of America's 419 national parks, preserves and interprets the park's history and natural resources while inspiring adventure and outdoor recreation. Each year nearly 5 million people enjoy the opportunities for fun and learning that the 184.5-mile-long park has to offer. Visitors to the park support more than 1,300 jobs and contribute more than $126 million to local economies. Learn more at www.nps.gov/choh or follow the C&O Canal on Facebook @chesapeakeandohiocanal and Twitter @COcanalNPS.
Chief of Resources Management
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100
Hagerstown, MD 21740
phone 301-714-2210
The transportation upgrades are needed to address the following concerns and ongoing issues affecting the Fletcher's Boathouse area:
• The single-lane entrance ramp provides the only access between the area and Canal Road for entering and exiting traffic, which can result in unsafe traffic situations
• Safe access from Canal Road's eastbound/inbound traffic is nearly impossible due to the entrance ramp's configuration immediately adjacent and parallel to Canal Road
• The geometry and grade differential between the entrance ramp and Canal Road creates inadequate sight distances for entering and exiting traffic
• A one-lane road culvert (tunnel) with low clearance and poor sight distance provides the only vehicle access to the larger, lower parking lot west of the C&O Canal
• Large fire trucks, ambulances, and river rescue crews are severely challenged in gaining unfettered access to the area during an emergency
• Large equipment/trucks have very limited access to the area to perform repair and maintenance to park facilities and the DC Water Odor Abatement Facility
• Existing pedestrian access routes to the project area from outside the park are unsafe and cause pedestrian/vehicular conflicts
• Some portions of the area are not fully compliant with accessibility standards
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, one of America's 419 national parks, preserves and interprets the park's history and natural resources while inspiring adventure and outdoor recreation. Each year nearly 5 million people enjoy the opportunities for fun and learning that the 184.5-mile-long park has to offer. Visitors to the park support more than 1,300 jobs and contribute more than $126 million to local economies. Learn more at www.nps.gov/choh or follow the C&O Canal on Facebook @chesapeakeandohiocanal and Twitter @COcanalNPS.
Contact Information
Jeri L. DeYoungChief of Resources Management
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100
Hagerstown, MD 21740
phone 301-714-2210