Rock Creek Parkway

“Big blue statue is being removed from the Kennedy Center!” – “Temporary Closures of Certain Parkland and Public Use Limitations, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway”

By Prince Of Petworth

photo by Jeanette.Cook

Thanks to J. for sending: “I haven’t seen any explanation for its removal.”

“The Kennedy Center introduces Joel Shapiro’s “Blue”.

Joel Shapiro’s sculptures explode with the exuberance of youth. Their simple rectangles are assembled like stick figures that magically come alive.

Blue is poised in mid-kick, turning the surrounding landscape into a giant stage as it prepares to pirouette across the grass.

Shapiro spent two years in India in the Peace Corps, where he was inspired by the integration of art and culture. His sculptures are installed in scores of cities around the world. They achieve the goal set centuries ago by Egyptian and Greek sculptors—to endow base materials with movement and spirit of life.

Blue is located by the Video Wall at the REACH.”

From the National Park Service:

“Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5, the National Park Service will implement a temporary closure of the northbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW from September 2, 2026 at 6:00am, to September 2, 2026, at 1:00pm. The exact times are subject to change based upon the evolving schedule of the events. Closures and public use restrictions will be delineated in the map below and as further delineated by U.S. Park Police presence, and other physical barriers.

Specifically, there will be temporary closure and restricted public access to the northbound lanes of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW, with blockades at the E St on-ramp, at the intersection of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and Parkway Dr NW, which would direct traffic from Ohio Dr SW to Parkway Dr NW, and at the intersection of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and F St NW. The restricted areas are depicted in the enclosed map (see below).

These temporary closures and restrictions are at the request of The Kennedy Center for the removal of the “Blue” Statue on The Kennedy Center grounds. A crane will occupy the northbound lanes of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway in order to remove the statue. These closures ensures the safety of the crew removing the statue and the public. Less restrictive measures and means are unavailable in the removal of the statue based on its location. (more…)

Heads Up: “drivers can expect a temporary lane closure southbound on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway”

By Prince Of Petworth

Alert from DC Water:

“Starting on or about Aug. 7, 2026, weather permitting, drivers can expect a temporary lane closure southbound on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW near the intersection of Virginia Avenue NW and F Street NW. The closure will allow DC Water crews to pour a large concrete foundation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The foundation will provide a strong base for the tunnel shaft, supporting the next phase of tunnel construction.

The concrete pour is scheduled to begin at approximately 11 p.m. on Friday, August 7, and continue through approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 8. Once the concrete pour begins, (more…)

“Rock Creek Park — loose gravel danger”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Is anyone talking about the Park Service putting down loose gravel to fill potholes on the hilly, curvy roads that lead into Rock Creek Park? I’m specifically thinking of Ridge Road and Morrow Drive, but based on the markings they’re putting down, it appears they will be doing this everywhere. As a cyclist I can tell you that these inclined streets have been made *extremely dangerous* by the addition of these large, random patches of loose gravel, but I can’t find any information about it online.”

OP shares a National Park Service (NPS) inquiry into the situation: (more…)

What the Helen of Troy is Happening on Piney Branch?!? Remember when they first planted those trees in 2014 to stop folks playing soccer?

By Prince Of Petworth


Piney Branch Parkway near 17th Street, NW

All those trees have been cut down!!

Ed. Note: Anyone remember when back in 2014 they planted all those trees so, allegedly, folks would stop playing soccer on the grass…?

“Dear PoPville,

Do you have any information on all the work being done on Piney Branch? What are they putting in there?” (more…)

“P Street ramp still closed”

By Prince Of Petworth

Update from NPS:

“The National Park Service (NPS) is taking steps to ensure public safety following the discovery of two sinkholes at the P Street NW ramp to northbound Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. The ramp will remain closed until the sinkholes are fully evaluated and corrective action can be taken. (more…)

“National Park Service responds to sinkholes at P Street ramp in Rock Creek Park”, Also Explains the Electric Green in Rock Creek

By Prince Of Petworth


From DC Water: “Noticed the green in Rock Creek this weekend? It’s just a test & is long gone. We used dye to investigate a sinkhole & void near a sewer line on the ramp to Rock Creek & Potomac Pkwy from P St NW. It’s perfectly safe, non-toxic & meets EPA standards. No cause for alarm.”

From NPS:

“The National Park Service (NPS) is taking steps to ensure public safety following the discovery of two sinkholes at the P Street NW ramp to northbound Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. The ramp will remain closed until the sinkholes are fully evaluated and corrective action can be taken. (more…)

“Share your thoughts on safety and operational improvements for Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway.” Time to End reversible lanes?

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Park Service:

“Approximately 50,000 vehicles travel Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway (RCPP) each day, making it a vital connection between northwest Washington, D.C., and downtown. The National Park Service (NPS) is committed to ensuring a safe and smooth experience for all road users. To enhance safety and improve operations, the NPS is developing a Multimodal Safety and Operational Improvements Plan. This plan will address traffic patterns and infrastructure needs along the corridor from the intersection of RCPP at Shoreham and Beach Drives NW to the intersection of Ohio Drive SW at Independence Avenue and 23rd Street SW.

The NPS invites the public to attend a virtual public meeting and share written comments on the development of the Plan and a corresponding Environmental Assessment (EA) for RCPP.

Purpose of the Plan (more…)

Pothole PSA!

By Prince Of Petworth


previous mega pothole on RCP

“Dear PoPville,

Wanted to report a killer pothole on Rock Creek Parkway NB, in the right hand lane after crossing Virginia Ave. Popped my tire today, and pretty sure I witnessed another victim pulling off at the Mass. Ave exit”

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