News

Planned Maintenance and Temporary Closure of Kirkwood Pedestrian Bridge along the Northwest Branch Trail

February 27, 2026

RIVERDALE, Md. — M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, announces planned maintenance work on a Kirkwood Pedestrian Bridge along the Northwest Branch Trail. The bridge will be closed March 5-6, 2026. The project will address the bridge’s aging condition and help ensure the continued safe use of the trail.

The project includes repairs and improvements to aging bridge components and related construction activities necessary to maintain safety and extend the service life of the structure.

The pedestrian bridge will be temporarily closed on March 5-6, 2026, for the entire day to support maintenance activities. During the closure:

– The Northwest Branch Trail will be interrupted at the river crossing

– Detours will be posted for pedestrians and cyclists

– Temporary congestion may occur on nearby trail segments and access points

Information for Our Valued Community

We understand that this renovation project will impact our existing users, and we are committed to minimizing any inconvenience. To help patrons plan, we, along with the contractor, will:

· Maintain open communication via email, social media, and meetings to address any questions or concerns.

· Provide a draft rendering of what the final renovation design.

· Share a tentative project timeline at pgparks.com.

· Provide constant updates through community bulletins and announcements that include video and photos of progress.

· Communicate in advance and provide signage and construction site plan logistics for awareness and safety

Our goal is to deliver a revitalized bridge that will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the bridge but also will ensure longevity and enhance functionality for years to come. Stay updated by visiting pgparks.com and signing up for PGParks Alerts to receive notifications on your mobile device.

About the Department

With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.