by Geoff Fox
The C&O Canal towpath from the 123 mile marker in Hancock to the 155 mile marker at the Paw Paw Tunnel, is currently being resurfaced in a project that will run through early summer.
A subsequent phase will focus on Lock 42, which is the 89-mile marker, to McCoys Ferry.
Jasmine Shanti, M.S. Natural Resources and M.P.S. Legislative Affairs, said that during the resurfacing, the towpath would remain open to cyclists and pedestrians.
“When crews are actively working, visitors should expect short delays so everyone can pass safely,” Shanti said in an email.
Right now a sub-contractor is doing a 3.8 mile stretch of the towpath that includes the section beginning at the bridge. The materials were placed in the parking lot of the Little Tonoloway Park area while crews were laying the stone dust and gravel.
Weather permitting, the section in Hancock should be done this week.
photo by Geoff Fox
Horseback riders could see temporary closures in work areas, she added. Equestrian access reopens 30 days after resurfacing is completed so the new surface has time to settle before heavier use.
Because of ongoing bidding restrictions, the National Park Service is unable to release the contractor’s name, but Shanti said the park is currently working with a longstanding contractor that has successfully completed other portions of towpath resurfacing, including more than 100 miles of the towpath.
The National Park Service is resurfacing the towpath in phases over the next 5 to 10 years.
The C&O Canal National Historical Park and Allegany Trail Alliance partnered together in 2016 to assess the condition of the 184.5-mile length of the towpath.
Through the assessment, the park was able to develop a comprehensive, mile-by-mile review of the conditions, including drainage issues, grass strips, potholes, roots, and other obstructions.
The review helped identify some of the worst sections of towpath and prioritize resurfacing efforts.
The resurfacing project is due to the proximity of the Potomac River and the constant threat of floods and washouts, the park wanted to develop methods of resurfacing that are historic, durable, and long lasting.
The park has a threefold goal for the project – to maintain the historic integrity and character of the towpath; to maintain the durability of the towpath during high water and flood events; and to provide a smooth, level surface for hikers, bikers, and visitors who utilize the towpath on a daily basis.
The techniques are not catered to one particular usage group, such as runner or bicyclists, but rather, the park is piloting a new resurfacing model to make the towpath as durable as possible for all park users.
The NPS emphasized that the towpath is not being paved.
The base layer of the new towpath surface is crush and run gravel, also known as CR-6. The top layer is stone dust, also known as AASHTO-10.
The crush and run layer creates an adequate drainage system so heavy rainfall can easily drain off the towpath. The stone dust layer at the top adds a nice, smooth surface.
There’s a five-step process for the resurfacing.
If necessary, the grass strip in the center of the towpath will be removed with a skid steer.
Edges of the towpath will be graded so the water can run off more smoothly.
Two inches of CR-6 will be laid down and rolled with a roller.
Another two inches of AASHTO-10 will be laid down and rolled with a roller.
Seed and straw will be laid down along the edges and any other areas disturbed during the work.
Right now, the Hancock to Paw Paw Tunnel is the ninth phase. The Lock 42 to McCoys Ferry would be the final phase.
