For the first time since March 2022, Soapstone Valley Park is officially open. But if you’re used to entering at the Albemarle Street trailhead, you’ll need to find another way in.
Per DC Water: “We are excited to announce that we are re-opening majority of the Soapstone Valley trail.”
The map above shows the trail segment between Albemarle Street and Audubon Terrace remains closed due to upcoming sewer work that will require closing part of Albemarle between Connecticut Avenue and 30th Street for two months. The park’s other entry points – at Windom Place, Broad Branch Road, and the west and east ends of Audubon – are now open.
The trail’s closure over the past two and a half years hasn’t stopped people from entering the park.
ANC 3F Commissioner Mitchell Baer, who is also the Soapstone Trail supervisor for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, is urging them to avoid the Albemarle segment for the remainder of the DC Water sewer project.
“Hikers REALLY have to avoid the still-closed stretch of trail from Albemarle to Audubon, especially when DC Water starts operations at Albemarle and 32nd,” Baer told Forest Hills Connection in an email. “In fact, once they start, the trailhead at Albemarle will be closed and fenced off.”
Here’s the full DC Water announcement, including with updates on the work that is keeping the Albemarle trailhead closed for several weeks more.
We are excited to announce that we are re-opening majority of the Soapstone Valley trail. The trailhead at 32nd and Albemarle St NW, and the western trailhead on Audubon Terrace NW will remain closed until further notice.
We are also entering the final phase of construction for the Soapstone Valley Project. This crucial stage of construction will require significant work in the area of 32nd and Albemarle Streets NW.
To facilitate this work, we will be implementing a long-term closure of Albemarle Street NW between Connecticut Avenue NW and 32nd Street NW. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to complete this essential project.
The final phase of the project will involve the following key activities:
- Demolition of the existing manhole: We will carefully remove the old manhole structure to prepare for the new installation.
- Relining of the existing sewer line: This involves inserting a durable liner into the existing pipe to improve its structural integrity and prevent leaks.
- Construction of a new manhole: We will build a modern, durable manhole to replace the old one.
Our team will continue providing regular updates on the project timeline and any potential impacts to the community. Please refer to the anticipated schedule below for upcoming construction activities.
- Week of August 12, 2024
- Continue tree and vegetation maintenance throughout the park
- Sitewide cleaning and removal of construction materials
- Week of August 19, 2024
- Installation of VMS Board along Connecticut Ave (Announcing upcoming Street Closure at Albemarle Street).
- Other Upcoming Events (once hard copy permit is secured)
- Begin site mobilization at 32nd and Albemarle St NW
- Closure of Albemarle St NW from Connecticut Ave NW to 32nd St NW. Detour signs will be posted to safely redirect pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists around the construction zone.
- Installation of sewer bypass system
- Installation of traffic control measures including posting of signage and safety fence installation
- Begin manhole demolition at 32nd and Albemarle St NW
- Continue tree and vegetation maintenance throughout the park
- Continue manhole demolition at 32nd and Albemarle St NW
- Maintain Albemarle St NW detour
- Continue tree and vegetation maintenance throughout the park
- Residents should expect the following:
- A long-term closure of Albemarle St NW between Connecticut Ave NW and 32nd St NW
- Closure of the southside sidewalk along Albemarle St NW
- Noise from equipment in operation. Here is a list of equipment to be used
- Milling Machine
- Dump Trucks
- Service Trucks & support tools/equipment
We extend our thanks to the community for their patience and understanding during the completion of this critical infrastructure project and park beautification.