[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 127 (Monday, July 2, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34950-34951]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-16499]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service, Interior.


Environmental Assessment for Proposal To Address Safety Concerns 
Along the Mount Vernon Trail in and Around Bridge #12

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Availability of the environmental assessment (EA) for the 
proposed safety improvements to Bridge #12 located approximately \1/4\ 
mile north of the southbound Fort Hunt exit off of the George 
Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) along the Mount Vernon Trail (MVT).

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Council on Environmental Quality regulations and 
National Park Service (NPS) policy, the NPS announces the availability 
of an EA for the proposed safety improvements on and around MVT Bridge 
#12 within GWMP. The EA examines several alternatives aimed to increase 
safety for trail users while maintaining the integrity of the natural 
and cultural resources at Bridge #12. The area on and around Bridge #12 
has been identified as a safety concern, primarily due to the bridge 
and trail designs in relationship to the existing terrain and the 
increased speeds that bicyclists are now able to obtain. As the trail 
approaches the bridge from both the north and the south, it combines a 
series of sharp curves with a steep downhill grade which has resulted 
in serious accidents to bicyclists, especially when the bridge deck is 
wet or damp. The NPS is soliciting comments on this EA. These comments 
will be considered in evaluating it and making decisions pursuant to 
the National Environmental Policy Act.

DATES: The EA will remain available for public comment until August 1, 
2001. Written comments should be received no later than this date.

ADDRESSES: Comments on this EA should be submitted in writing to: Ms. 
Audrey F. Calhoun, Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway, 
Turkey Run Park, McLean, Virginia, 22101. The EA will be available for 
public inspection Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 4 p.m., at GWMP 
Headquarters, Turkey Run Park, McLean, Virginia; on the NPS Website, 
www.nps.gov/gwmp; and at several libraries in Alexandria, Fairfax and 
Arlington, Virginia.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NPS proposes to increase safety for 
trail users while maintaining the integrity of the natural and cultural 
resources at Bridge #12, located approximately \1/4\ mile north of the 
southbound Fort Hunt exit off of the GWMP on the MVT. Approximately 
nine years ago, both ends of the bridge were widened to allow a greater 
turning radius for bicyclists to make the turn onto the bridge, a non-
slip coating was applied to the bridge deck surface, and warning signs 
were posted at each end of the bridge. Although these modifications 
have lessened the existing safety hazards, accidents continue to occur 
on and around this bridge structure and it requires reconsideration. A 
1990 NPS trail study entitled Paved Recreational Trails of the National 
Capital Region: Recommendations for Improvements and Coordination to 
Form a Metropolitan Multi-Use Trail System identified this area as a 
priority for safety improvements. The bridge traverses a ravine with a 
wetland area and small creek running through it. The existing bridge is 
approximately 165 feet long and is constructed from a combination of 
pressure treated lumber and creosote piles.
    The following primary needs have been identified with this project 
to address the existing safety issues. There is a need:
    1. For design changes to the bridge itself to make it a more 
sustainable structure and provide for safety on the bridge.
    2. To change the steep, sharp curved approaches to the bridge.
    3. To protect natural and cultural resources in and around the 
bridge area.
    Incidents that have occurred at this location have been informally 
documented by observations by park staff and through conversations with 
visitors who have reported incidents. Physical evidence such as skid 
marks and bicycle paint and scrape marks on the wood of the bridge have 
also been observed. Finally, park staff have assisted injured 
bicyclists on several occasions on and around the bridge.
    All interested individuals, agencies, and organizations are urged 
to provide comments on this EA. The NPS, in making a final decision 
regarding this matter, will consider all comments received by the 
closing date.

[[Page 34951]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Dan Sealy (703) 289-2530 or via 
email at GWMP_IRRM_ [email protected].

Audrey F. Calhoun,
Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway.
[FR Doc. 01-16499 Filed 6-29-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P