This page provides daily information about the operations and scheduling of activities at the Potomac River Test Range and the Explosive Experimental Area (Pumpkin Neck). These facilities are used by our military to conduct munitions testing and should be avoided while testing is in progress. Click on any of the areas of interest to the right for additional information.

Range / Weapons Testing Hotline: 877-845-5656 (toll-free) for daily updates on range operation and test schedules.

Noise Questions & Comments: 866-359-5540 (toll-free) to comment or ask a question about noise or vibrations you think are being caused by operations at Dahlgren.

For more information on NSWC Dahlgren’s range schedule, contact the NSWCDD Public Affairs Office, (540) 653-8152.

potomac-river-explosive-test-range-map

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Testing at: Main Range/Buildings 1180-1186

  • Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Noise on Station: Potential to create “Loud” noise in the southern (Building 101) area of NSF Dahlgren.
  • Noise Down Range: Potential to create “Loud” noise downrange and in communities surrounding NSF Dahlgren.
  • River Restrictions: Restricted approximately 10,000 yards downrange from NSF Dahlgren below the yellow “O” buoy (Maryland) and to the yellow “N” buoy (Virginia).
  • Roads Closed on Station: Tisdale Road/Shocktube Road/Blue Stone Road
  • Barricades Closed on Station: Area 3 Barricade/Shocktube Road Barricade/Hide Away Pond Barricade/1410 Back Gate/Blue Stone Road Barricade
  • EMCON Conditions: Condition 2 in Buildings 995/948/1122/455
  • MR Shelter Condition: Local
  • Other Notifications: None

Thursday, Dec. 5

Testing at: Main Range/Buildings 1180-1186

  • Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Noise on Station: Potential to create “Loud” noise in the southern (Building 101) area of NSF Dahlgren.
  • Noise Down Range: Potential to create “Loud” noise downrange and in communities surrounding NSF Dahlgren.
  • River Restrictions: Restricted approximately 10,000 yards downrange from NSF Dahlgren below the yellow “O” buoy (Maryland) and to the yellow “N” buoy (Virginia).
  • Roads Closed on Station: Tisdale Road/Shocktube Road/Blue Stone Road
  • Barricades Closed on Station: Area 3 Barricade/Shocktube Road Barricade/Hide Away Pond Barricade/1410 Back Gate/Blue Stone Road Barricade
  • EMCON Conditions: Condition 2 in Buildings 995/948/1122/455
  • MR Shelter Condition: Local
  • Other Notifications: None
potomac-river-explosive-test-range-map

Friday, Dec. 6

Testing at: Buildings 1180-1186

  • Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Noise on Station: None
  • Noise Down Range: None
  • River Restrictions: None
  • Roads Closed on Station: Tisdale Road/Shocktube Road/Blue Stone Road
  • Barricades Closed on Station: Area 3 Barricade/Shocktube Road Barricade/Hide Away Pond Barricade/1410 Back Gate/Blue Stone Road Barricade
  • EMCON Conditions: Condition 2 in Buildings 995/948/1122/455
  • MR Shelter Condition: None
  • Other Notifications: None

David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East...