NPS - National Park Service

05/08/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2022 11:18

Update from C&O Canal National Historical Park

Date:
May 8, 2022
Contact:Christiana Hanson, 301-491-6265

On Saturday evening, a construction barge carrying an excavator and other equipment broke loose and was held in the Potomac River for a short time. This afternoon, a second barge broke loose as well. Both floated downriver toward Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

The larger barge is currently held in place at the remnants of Dam 3, and the smaller of the two barges has been caught in the hydraulic roller below Dam 4. Contractors are monitoring to ensure that they remain in place.

Both barges are upstream from Harpers Ferry, which alleviates some concern that they could impact area bridges. The bridges between Loudoun County and Maryland remain open. National Park Service and multiple agencies have responded and continue to monitor this situation.

Although the river has crested upstream from the Harpers Ferry area, it is still running at minor flood levels. Water levels are higher than usual in the Potomac after a weekend of persistent rain. At Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the pedestrian bridge is cleared and locked on both sides for the night, pending lower water levels. [UPDATE: The pedestrian bridge re-opened as of 5/9/22] Visitors to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park should check the park website or social media channels for the status of the pedestrian bridge.

Visitors to C&O Canal National Historical Park should check the park website for information about current conditions and closures. As always, be careful when venturing outdoors. Even now that the rain has passed, water levels in area rivers and streams, including the Potomac River, are still high along the C&O towpath, and trees have fallen across the park. Trails along the river may be impassable or closed. High water may impact low areas of the park, and conditions may change unexpectedly. Be aware of possible debris on the towpath, flooding, washouts, and falling trees.