George Washington Memorial Parkway to remain closed into Tuesday for sinkhole repairs

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - Drivers are in for another rough morning on the George Washington Parkway Tuesday as northbound lanes from Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) to Interstate 495 will remain closed for sinkhole repairs.

Crews were hoping to have one northbound lane open for rush hour Monday morning but heavy rains slowed the repair work. By the evening, crews were at the scene, but the road will remain closed during the morning rush.

Representative Jennifer Wexton says something has to change. She sent a letter to the National Park Service saying years of deferred maintenance have created a backlog of needed repairs and improvement.

Wexton said this latest sinkhole, apparently was caused by a failure of a 60-year-old brick inlet, is just the latest example. She called the current state of the parkway "unacceptable," adding that it is a hazard and also causes congestion.

"It's not just the sinkhole. The road is in terrible condition. You know, there are potholes everywhere, the roadway is all torn up, and it's gotten progressively worse over the years and there hasn't been the kind of maintenance and repairs that it needs," said Wexton.

The National Park Service is now hoping one lane will reopen in time for Tuesday evening's rush hour. The southbound lanes of the George Washington Parkway are open.