Water Street Staircase Rehabilitation & Capital Crescent Trail Trailhead Project

The Capital Crescent Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath are two of the most heavily traveled bicycle and pedestrian trail routes in the region. At the Potomac Aqueduct, the existing concrete staircase is in poor condition—crumbling concrete stair risers, lack of a handrail, overgrown weeds, and graffiti—and does not provide a safe or functional connection between the two trails. On the Water Street level, the existing conditions are also poor, with packed dirt, loose gravel, overgrown weeds, and ponding water. This location is the logical meeting point for many users of the Capital Crescent Trail, the C&O Canal Towpath, and the Potomac River.

The Georgetown BID has contracted with Bradley Site Design, a Georgetown-based landscape architecture firm, to design and oversee construction of the project:

1. Create a safer pedestrian connection between the C&O Canal Towpath and the Capital Crescent Trail by rehabilitating the concrete staircase at the Potomac Aqueduct

2. Create a trailhead area for users of the Capital Crescent Trail, featuring seating, bike parking, landscaping, and improved drainage

The above rendering shows the proposed improvements to the staircase and the trailhead. View the full recommended design concept below.

Site Plan and Renderings
Site Analysis and Context

Public Meeting #2
November 17, 2020
The Georgetown BID presented the recommended design concepts for the staircase and the trailhead area.

Click here to watch the recording
Click here for the meeting presentation

Public Meeting #1
August 25, 2020
The Georgetown BID introduced the project, provided an initial site analysis and concept sketch, and solicited input from the public about the site.

Click here to watch the recording
Click here for the meeting presentation

The anticipated project schedule is as follows, though is subject to changes.

Project Kickoff: August 2020
Phase 1 – 30% Design: September-October 2020
Phase 2 – 100% Design: November 2020
Phase 3 – Construction: Late April – June 2022

This project is funded through a $187,500 grant from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The Georgetown BID is providing matching funds to complete the project.

For questions or assistance prior to the public meeting, email Nat Cannon at ncannon@georgetowndc.com.