WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The National Mall and Memorial Parks Service (NPS) announced Tuesday that visitors coming to the Tidal Basin for a chance to see the cherry blossoms will not be able to walk new pathways.
This comes after crews began completing the Tidal Basin seawall rehabilitation project last summer. The NPS approved the project to fix the sinking seawall covering nearly 7,000 feet along portions of the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park.
The construction of seawalls guarding areas of the Potomac River prompted the removal of 140 Japanese cherry trees around the basin. One of the trees removed last year was one affectionately known as “Stumpy.”
The NPS noted that the combination of rising sea levels and aging in sinking seawall resulted in daily flooding in the area, causing erosion and debris, which could affect the vegetation of the cherry blossom trees.
Over the last several months, hundreds of pilings have been driven into place and capped in efforts to raise the level of the seawall and prevent flooding along the pathways on the Tidal Basin.
As a result, a detour will be in place and visitors will not be able to walk the new pathways.
The park service said these adjustments are necessary to ensure future splendor and safety.
