News

Portion of Mount Vernon Trail near Old Town closing Friday for weeks of shoreline repair

A section of the Mount Vernon Trail just north of Old Town will be closed for five to six weeks, starting this Friday.

During that time, contractors with the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration project will conduct shoreline embankment repair work. The project will shut down the trail between north of E. Abingdon Drive and 3rd Street, and trail users will be redirected to an alternate trail on E. Abingdon Drive.

“This work will ensure the safetystability and longevity of the trail for all users,” the city wrote in an announcement. 

“Because this will increase pedestrian and cyclist traffic along East Abingdon Drive, contractors will temporarily block the eastern-most lane for two-way cycle traffic between Slaters Lane and the railroad tracks,” according to NPS and FHA. “One northbound lane on East Abingdon Drive will remain open to motor vehicle traffic throughout the project.”

The Federal Highway Administration and National Park Service are shutting down a portion of the Mount Vernon Trail just north of Old Town for shoreline repair (via NPS/FHA)

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.