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Potomac Riverwatch: Fall 2025
NEWS
Canal Completes Restoration at Carderock--A major $11.4 million stabilization effort was completed near the C&O Canal's Carderock Recreation Area to reinforce the historic "Log Wall," a drylaid stone structure built between 1828–1831. Sinkholes in 2015–2016 had threatened the towpath and the Potomac Interceptor sewer system, which carries 60 million gallons of combined sewage daily. A failure could have led to catastrophic environmental damage. The project was funded by the Great American Outdoors Act and restored over 1,000 feet of wall up to 35 feet tall DetailsWreckage Found--In early September 2025, a man discovered an apparent plane seat with a visible tray table knob along the Potomac shoreline, seven months after a deadly mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter. D.C. Police sent the plane seat to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to confirm if it belonged to the crashed American Airlines Flight 5342. Details
"Hot Drought" Concerns-- A study by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin warns that a "hot drought"—severe drought combined with rising temperatures—could significantly impact the river's drinking water supply. According to the study, despite an expected increase in precipitation, extreme heat could cause the river's annual flow to drop by as much as 49% by 2099. Despite a rainy July, the Potomac River Basin is still experincing drought conditions. Details
New Long Bridge Construction-- Construction for a new bridge over the Potomac is scheduled to begin in January 2026. As part of the Long Bridge Project, this will lead to scaled-back rail service for Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuters over several years. The new bridge will be used for passenger rail, while the existing one will be used for freight. Details