Holmes Run project will fix storm damage

The City of Alexandria is gearing up to begin construction this summer on a stream and trail restoration project on Holmes Run in the Dora Kelley Nature Park. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2026.

This is the last of four major projects along Holmes Run Stream Valley to repair extensive damage caused by rainstorms six years ago.

The upcoming work, on Site 1, includes the following:

• A box culvert pedestrian bridge will be installed over Holmes Run just upstream from Beauregard Street. It will be similar to the footbridge at N. Chambliss Street.
• The concrete slab fair-weather crossing will be removed.
• The collapsing asphalt trail on the west bank will be removed.
• The stream banks will be shored up using a combination of rip rap and topography.

The trail will remain closed during construction.

As Holmes Run is likely to face more flooding in the future, a 12-foot-wide access drive from the Beauregard Street overpass to the stream will be installed to allow access to the area for maintenance. The new pedestrian bridge will have a timber railing, which is easier to replace.

A total of 52 trees will be removed during the year-long project, and 163 new trees will be planted.

The City of Alexandria received $5 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for the Site 1 project.

Site 4 is completed. Sites 2 and 3 are under construction.

For more information on repairs at all four sites, visit the project webpage.

Related story: Alexandria to close parts of Holmes Run Trail to fix flood damage