Design for Portion of Anacostia Riverwalk Trail Unveiled

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Four months ago, users of trail networks in DC and Maryland received good news—a $10 million federal grant will be used to build a missing segment of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, thus connecting the two jurisdictions. About two weeks ago, the design for this four-mile trail project—called the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens segment—was unveiled. What it includes:

  • Both paved 10- to 12-foot-wide asphalt and concrete boardwalk sections that meander around trees and wetlands in the Aquatic Gardens and other National Park Service lands;
  • Sidewalks through the Mayfair and Parkside communities; and
  • Raised walkways and five bridges over Anacostia River tributaries as it passes between DC and Maryland near U.S. Route 50.

The final link will run between Benning Road in DC and Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Maryland, linking the state’s nearly 40-mile trail network throughout the Anacostia River Tributary System to the planned 20-mile Anacostia Riverwalk Trail in DC—12 miles of which are already open and heavily used. Because the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail will be able to serve as a key connection between bicycle and pedestrian trails in DC and Maryland, it will improve safety and provide sustainable transportation options. 

In addition to the U.S. Department of Transportation stimulus fund grant, this $15 million project is also funded by the DC government ($3.5 million) and Maryland ($1.5 million). Construction will begin next spring.