ARLINGTON, VA — The Arlington County Board has sued the Trump administration to block construction of a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, warning that the massive monument could create traffic problems, delay emergency responders and threaten public safety.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, challenges the National Park Service's environmental review of the project, which would be built in Memorial Circle at the Virginia end of Arlington Memorial Bridge.
County officials argue that the federal government failed to adequately examine the project's effects on Arlington residents, historic landmarks, transportation and emergency services before determining that a more extensive environmental study was unnecessary.
The lawsuit names the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and National Park Service official Jessica Bowron as defendants.
The county argues that construction and permanent changes to Memorial Circle could create significant congestion on roads connecting Arlington and Washington, D.C.
Plans described in the complaint include new traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, lane restrictions and changes to traffic patterns around the circle.
The lawsuit says those changes could affect Washington Boulevard, Route 110 and other major routes, potentially forcing drivers onto already busy alternatives.
Arlington officials are particularly concerned about emergency response times.
The Arlington County Fire Department provides emergency services to Arlington National Cemetery and surrounding areas and also assists with emergencies at Reagan National Airport.
According to the complaint, Arlington emergency personnel responded to 52 calls at or near the airport during the previous 60 days.
The county argues that road closures and increased congestion could delay firefighters, paramedics and police responding to emergencies.
The lawsuit also raises concerns about disruptions to pedestrian and bicycle routes, including a connection between the Mount Vernon Trail and Arlington National Cemetery.
Arlington officials contend that the proposed arch couldalso interfere with flight paths used by aircraft departing Reagan National Airport.
At 250 feet tall, the structure would extend into airspace the county says is reserved for certain emergency aircraft departure procedures. The county argues that changes to those routes could increase airplane noise over Arlington neighborhoods.
However, the National Park Service's environmental assessment concluded that the project would not significantly affect airport airspace, according to the complaint.
The county also argues that the monument would permanently change historic views between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The lawsuit says those views were designed to symbolize national reunification following the Civil War.
Construction noise could also disrupt ceremonies and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, which hosts more than 5,000 funerals annually.
The lawsuit also challenges President Donald Trump's September statement that the arch would serve as a military complex capable of storing ammunition and supporting drones and snipers.
County officials argue that those proposed uses introduce additional public safety concerns that were not addressed in the National Park Service's environmental review.
The county says the changes could interfere with Arlington police drone operations, which are used during emergencies and major public events.
The complaint also raises questions about firefighting infrastructure and how emergency personnel would respond to an incident involving ammunition stored at the site.
The National Park Service completed an environmental assessment in June and determined that the project would have no significant environmental impact, eliminating the need for a more detailed environmental impact statement.
Arlington County argues that the agency overlooked significant risks and failed to adequately consider alternatives to the proposed monument.
The lawsuit asks a federal judge to overturn that determination and prohibit construction or demolition work until the government completes a more comprehensive environmental review.
The county also seeks a court order requiring federal officials to consider alternative designs or locations and more thoroughly evaluate the project's potential consequences.
The proposed arch is intended to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.
The lawsuit seeks no monetary damages.
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