Beach Drive in D.C.’s portion of Rock Creek Park will remain closed to cars through at least Phase Four of D.C.’s reopening, which could still be weeks away.

The news comes via Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, who tweeted on Tuesday morning that the National Park Service, which has jurisdiction over the roadway, would extend the closure that first started in April for the time being.

Fantastic news: @NatlParkService is extending the closure of Beach Drive to vehicles through the beginning of Phase 4 of @MayorBowser’s reopening plan.

Thank you very much to NPS & especially to my colleagues @CMBrandonTodd and @BrianneKNadeau for working with me in this effort!

— Mary M. Cheh (@marycheh) July 14, 2020

“We share the Mayor’s desire to ensure the CDC’s guidelines are followed and are willing to do our part in providing a safe and enjoyable park experience for visitors to seek solace, reflection and recreation,” wrote Rock Creek Park Superintendent Julia Washburn to Cheh and two of her colleagues on Monday. “Our goal is to strike a balance that allows recreating visitors space to social distance while also meeting the commuting demands on Beach Drive when the need arises,” she added.

The Park Service did not immediately respond to DCist/WAMU’s request for comment.

NPS previously closed a portion of Beach Drive to vehicular traffic in early April, to allow more space for people to exercise outside. The road had already been closed to traffic on weekends.

“Under normal circumstances, Rock Creek Park is one of our most popular and beloved weekend destinations and now, during the height of the pandemic, it has become a critical daily outdoor resource for those who want to exercise and spend time outside safely,” Cheh told DCist/WAMU in an emailed statement. “I’m hopeful that additional analysis may further extend the closure through the entire recovery period and, in meantime, I hope everyone enjoys the parkway safely and responsibly.”

When the roadway may reopen, though, remains a moving target. D.C. is currently in Phase 2 of its reopening, and officials have declined to provide a timeline for moving into Phase Three. The criteria includes being able to sufficiently track new cases and having adequate hospital bed capacity, along with other factors.

Maryland also remains in Phase 2, while Virginia has continued easing restrictions in recent weeks and moved to Phase Three of its reopening plans.

This story has been updated to include a statement from Councilmember Mary Cheh.