Just saw on FB that, starting Nov. 16th, the GAP will be closed between Buena Vista and Port Vue to accommodate a project to install municipal sewer lines under the trail. The project will also include the repair or replacement of culverts that divert stormwater runoff under the trail along with trail surface replacement.

Closure is expected to last until at least April 15, 2021, and possibly a bit longer.

You can probably find the full story posted on the official website.

That is all.

Looks like that closure will start sooner and end later than the yearly Big Savage Tunnel closure..

Is there a detour?

None has been posted because of very hilly terrain and narrow roads.

Ride this prime location while it is open.
Have just finished the GAP.

Reopened on May 1.
https://gaptrail.org/trail-info/trail-alerts

Good to know..

I'm / we're still a little concerned about the Paw Paw Tunnel closure and having to hike two fully loaded (4 panniers per) bikes over the detour trail. Haven't found much with respect to personal reviews of that experience. Sounds do-able, but not much fun.

Paw Paw tunnel is open as of a few days ago when I rode through.

Hmm.. Per gaptrail.org it's(the path) closed until mid 2022..

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NOV 25 2020 | C&O Canal Towpath's Paw Paw Tunnel to Close; Detour Posted

On November 25, the National Park Service announced an immediate closure of the northern entrance of the Paw Paw Tunnel to protect travelers on the C&O Canal Towpath from falling rocks near the tunnel's northern approach. The NPS anticipates this closure will last until mid-2022.

According to the NPS, "during construction, visitors can walk into the Paw Paw Tunnel when approaching from the south but will not be able to continue past the north end of the tunnel. ...

Cyclists may walk their bikes up and over the Paw Paw Tunnel using the Tunnel Bypass Trail,

FEB 22 2021 | C&O Canal Towpath's Paw Paw Tunnel to Close-Detour Posted

On November 25, the National Park Service announced an immediate closure of the northern entrance of the Paw Paw Tunnel to protect travelers on the C&O Canal Towpath from falling rocks near the tunnel's northern approach. The NPS anticipates this closure will last until mid-2022....
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Per nps.gov:

Paw Paw Tunnel Scaling Project

A 2020 current conditions image shows a rock slide from April 2016 near the northern (downstream) entrance of the tunnel. The current scaling and repair project is one to prevent rock slides like this in the future and to remove debris from the canal prism.NPS | Joe Reed, Park Engineer

The Paw Paw Tunnel is currentlyopen. However, the towpath just downstream is closed.

.....

When will the project begin and end?

Construction for the interim slope stabilization at the north portal of the Paw Paw Tunnel began in June of 2017 and was completed in July 2019. The current design build contract, awarded in September 2020, will continue with addressing rockfall hazards and aim to remove rock and debris caused by the rockslide of 2016. This work will also address the timber boardwalk portion of the towpath by removing and replacing it. A design-build type of procurement facilitates the contractor’s team to complete the design/permitting, as well as construct the fix. Once the ongoing design is completed and permitted, construction is anticipated to begin in 2021 and extend into 2022.This work will provide long-term safe passage through this stretch of towpath. The National Park Service is doing everything possible to minimize closure time and impacts to visitors.

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Alan..did you ride the towpath downstream of the tunnel?

I had to do it in 2017 when then tunnel was closed as well. You will likely have to walk the bike both up and down. Totally doable, just set aside an hour or so.

Yes, of course.

Dumb question I know, but it needed to be asked.

Well, we have plenty of time yet..we'll have to keep an eye on things...thx.

I am looking forward to the day -
when they close I-495 for 6 months -
to build a bike trail.

Not sure how that's relevant. I know they've shut down at least one interstate (I-40 in NC east of the TN line) because landslides blocked the road, and then closed off one lane for 8 months or so to get the rest of the mountainside stabilized. They needed the other lane for equpment; the section of the GAP north of the tunnel doesn't look like there's room for earth moving equipment, and no margin for error if cyclists happened to be downhill if another slide came down.

I started this thread. The work needed was to benefit both the local communities and the trail itself. Sometimes you need to shut things down to make improvements. The work is now completed save a few last minute items and the closed section open. All accomplished during an off-peak time.

Indeed true. We rode the section Sunday. I was a bit concerned that after the pipe installation that the trail would be not returned to it previous state. In fact, the section is much improved, wider, drainage and culverts improved, and the surface is better than before. A job well done and the GAP is back! We saw more than a hundred out riding/walking it.

I rode the section of the GAP yesterday where the pipe was installed and it is very nice indeed. It rained hard in the area from Rockwood to West Newton, and I think my bike was carrying a couple pounds of grit from the GAP. The repaired section was completely dry and smooth.