The National Park Service is accepting public comment through Aug. 22 regarding the ongoing closure of Beach Drive to through traffic.

The 4.25-mile stretch of Beach Drive between Broad Branch Road and the Maryland border has been closed since April 2020 to allow more room for physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, with portions open for cars to reach picnic areas.

The agency offered possible scenerios, including extending the current closure indefinitely, reopening the road — which was rebuilt over the past several years, or exploring the possibility of a hybrid approach, including extending weekend closures to include Mondays and Fridays or opening the road during rush hour on weekdays.

Public comment will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 22. To provide comments online or get additional information on the project, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/beachdrive. Mailed comments should be postmarked by Aug. 22, 2021, to receive consideration:
Superintendent
ATTN: Beach Drive
Rock Creek Park
3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW
Washington, DC 20008