Van Hollen Urges NPS to Mitigate Impact of Beach Drive

Rehabilitation During Red Line SafeTrack Surge

Washington, DC Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen sent a letter urging the
National Park Service to consider ways to reduce the impact of Beach Drive rehabilitation work
in Rock Creek Park during disruptions on the Red Line due to Metros SafeTrack surge this fall.
The section of Beach Drive that will be affected is among the alternate routes commuters will
be planning to take during the Surge. Because of the increased number of drivers, Beach Drive
will be more congested than usual, Congressman Van Hollen wrote. I urge NPS to review its
plans and explore every possible option to ensure that the impact on residents can be minimized
as much as possible, including delaying its closures on Beach Drive until after the 23-day Surge
in October has been completed.
The full text of the letter is below:
Ms. Tara Morrison
Superintendent, Rock Creek Park
National Park Service
Dear Superintendent Morrison:
I am writing regarding the National Park Services plans to rehabilitate Beach Drive, portions of
which will be closed beginning after Labor Day.
As you know, from October 10-November 1, 2016, the Red Line of the Metro system will be
shut down as part of the SafeTrack maintenance project (Surge #10). During that time, Metro
riders will need to find other means of transport.
At the same time, the scheduled Beach Drive repairs will be underway. The section of Beach
Drive that will be affected is among the alternate routes commuters will be planning to take
during the Surge. Because of the increased number of drivers, Beach Drive will be more
congested than usual. Construction that closes portions of Beach Drive during this time will
make it even more difficult to travel.
I urge NPS to review its plans and explore every possible option to ensure that the impact on
residents can be minimized as much as possible, including delaying its closures on Beach Drive
until after the 23-day Surge in October has been completed.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Chris Van Hollen
Member of Congress
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