Scope of Work
Cianbro is reconstructing approximately 8,000 lf (1.5 miles) of the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath. Originally built in the 1820’s, the towpath is bounded by the Potomac River on one side and limestone cliffs along the other. Floods in 1972, 1985, and 1996 compromised the condition of the towpath in this area, making it impassable.  Cianbro’s restoration of the Big Slackwater area will reconnect a missing link in the 184.5 mile Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, providing uninterrupted public access from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC. The project includes installing piers and constructing an elevated bike path and natural stone wall face panel along the river’s edge.

Project Details

• Placing 121 cast-in-place foundations for the elevated towpath sections
• Placing 1,800 lf of jet grouting to stabilize soils adjacent to the existing historic stone wall
• Placing 750 cy of substructure concrete
• Constructing a 5,000 lf precast elevated walkway
• Placing 5,000 lf of precast stone fished skirt wall   
• Restoring/rebuilding 5,000 sf of existing historical stone wall
• Stabilizing and grading 3,000 lf of existing at-grade towpath