Construction of a new national monument in Washington DC is scheduled to begin with excavation work over the next two weeks. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the start of site preparation for the United States Triumphal Arch, also referred to as the Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck in a social media post.
The monument is a 250-foot-tall neoclassical triumphal arch planned for Memorial Circle on Columbia Island. The site sits at the western end of Arlington Memorial Bridge, between the Lincoln Memorial and the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.
The arch’s main structure is designed to stand 166 feet tall, with statuary on top bringing the total height to 250 feet. It is intended to include an observation deck. The design draws from earlier 20th-century proposals for monumental treatment of the location.
“We are pleased to announce that after a very long wait (over 125 years!), we are preparing to start, over the next two-week period, the excavation work necessary for the Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck, at Memorial Circle on Columbia Island between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery,” Burgum announced in an X post. “This will be one of the Great Pieces of American Architecture, honoring the history and significance of Arlington Cemetery and befitting the most powerful Capital in the World.”
We are pleased to announce that after a very long wait (over 125 years!), we are preparing to start, over the next two-week period, the excavation work necessary for the Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck, at Memorial Circle on Columbia Island between the Lincoln… pic.twitter.com/8aff90jKNd
— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) September 3, 2026
In additional remarks the same day, Burgum noted that Congress has attempted to develop the site for more than 125 years. “Despite Congress’ intent, the site became and remains today a barren traffic circle lacking any monumental treatment and significant historic value,” he added.
“Over 70 major cities/capitals around the world, from London, Paris and Rome to Madrid, Athens and New Delhi, all showcase beautiful arches. Interestingly, Washington, DC, is the only major Western capital without an arch. Now after 125 years of waiting, the most powerful capital in the world will be home of the most spectacular and beautiful arch of them all!”
Planning documents indicate that construction would proceed in multiple phases over two to three years, with work occurring year-round in two 10-hour shifts per day. Preliminary surveys and geotechnical testing began in May of this year.
Funding details have not been fully specified, with statements indicating a combination of public and private sources may be used.
