via DDOT
From the National Park Service:
“The National Park Service has approved an environmental assessment prepared by the District Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to rebuild 1.5 miles of Broad Branch Road NW between Linnean Avenue NW and Beach Drive NW. The project will:
Fix aging pavement and stormwater systems
Improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists
Create stronger walking and biking connections to Rock Creek Park trails
To support these changes, a small piece of NPS-managed land will be permanently transferred to DDOT. Construction access and short-term impacts to parkland will be managed through a special use permit that requires the site to be restored when work is done.
On NPS land, the project will add a new sidewalk from the Soapstone Valley Trailhead to the parking area at Picnic Grove #2 North, replace the Soapstone Creek culvert, and repair selected retaining walls and drainage outfalls. These improvements will make it easier and safer for people to reach and enjoy Rock Creek Park.
NPS signed a Finding of No Significant Impact on Dec. 10, 2025, concluding that the project will not cause major environmental harm and outlining steps to avoid or reduce impacts. The FONSI is available here.
With environmental review complete, DDOT will move into design and construction once funding is secured. For updates on timing and next steps, please visit DDOT’s website or contact DDOT directly.”
AND in other Soapstone updates – Albermarle has opened up:
