Planned Waterside Drive Shutdown to Reroute Georgetown Traffic
By • September 21, 2026 0 360
By Francis Rienzo
A main connection point between Rock Creek Parkway and Massachusetts Avenue NW, Waterside Drive was supposed to close today, Monday, Sept. 21. That closure has now been delayed indefinitely.
It’s expected that the Waterside Drive shutdown will result in significant congestion in the Georgetown and Woodley Park areas, due to the extensive detours required. News4 Washington has already reported that Rock Creek Parkway is facing heavier traffic than usual.
The National Park Service has said that the project involves replacing the drainage system, painting the streetlights and improving the infrastructure of the road, which dates to the 1930s.
A 1900s-era utility line was encountered during the initial excavation for the project, requiring the Park Service to regroup and identify a solution.
Closures were expected through Nov. 13. However, the project’s revised schedule has not been announced. The sidewalks are expected to remain open during construction. Also, parts of the road will be open to residents.
