The Department of the Interior has announced that reconstruction of the Tidal Basin seawall in Washington, D.C., has been completed ahead of schedule. The project, which cost $112 million, was funded by the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund. This law was signed by President Donald J. Trump in 2020.
The seawall work supports an executive order focused on improving safety and aesthetics in the District of Columbia. It strengthens the shoreline near significant landmarks such as the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the area known for its cherry blossom trees. This phase marks the first part of a two-phase effort; reconstruction along the Potomac River is set to finish by May 2026. Both projects are expected to be completed eight months early and approximately $30 million under budget.
According to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, “The completion of this phase of the seawall project shows what can be accomplished when we invest in America’s treasures. The work here, directed by President Trump, protects beloved memorials, restores the landscape’s integrity and prepares the area for the next century of visitors. It is fitting progress as our nation looks ahead to America’s 250th and the celebration of our shared history.”
Work on this section addressed issues including sinking ground and frequent tidal flooding caused by aging infrastructure built more than a century ago. In some locations, settling had reached over five feet deep, leading to daily floods that damaged trees and walkways.
The rebuilt seawall now includes deeper foundations and wider pathways designed for accessibility and resilience against future sea-level rise or storms. While construction has concluded, landscape restoration efforts continue. In spring 2026, 426 new trees—including 269 cherry trees—will be planted around affected areas.
For protection during this period, access to parts of the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park will remain restricted through at least the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival before reopening later that year.
