“Do you know if they’re ever going to reopen the bike path through the zoo that was closed last year?”

“Dear PoPille,

Do you know if they’re ever going to reopen the bike path through the zoo that was closed last year? I hate going through the tunnel on Beach Drive.”

Jenna shared with us from the Rock Creek Park Facebook page:

“As you may know, Rock Creek Park and DDOT are embarking on the next phase of restoration work along the multi-use trail from Rose Park in Georgetown to Broad Branch Road at Beach Dr. In addition, there will be an installation of a new trail along the north side of Piney Branch Parkway to Arkansas Ave. and over to 16th Street. In the area just south of the Zoo tunnel, a new pedestrian bridge will be installed and the trail that loops around the Zoo tunnel will be repaired.

The good news is that all of the necessary compliance work and construction documents for this ambitious project have been completed. Earlier this spring, DDOT advertised the project for bids with the hope of starting construction in October (with a two year construction schedule). Unfortunately, we have been informed that the bids have come in well over the estimated cost for the project.

We are in discussion with DDOT regarding this particular issue at this time and hope to have a solution in the near future that will allow us to move forward with the much needed work. In the meantime, thank you for your understanding and patience as we take steps to move forward. Hope this helps clear somethings up for you.”

While I was looking for photos in the archives I found “Mac loving the snow in Rock Creek Park!” and couldn’t deprive you of this joy.