Woodrow Wilson Bridge Replacement
(Updated May 2011)

Current Status:
The interchanges at I-295, MD 210 and Route 1 have been completed.

Construction has begun on the Telegraph Road Interchange, the final element of the Wilson Bridge Project, and will be completed in 2013.

The construction is being done in phases. The MD-210, MD I-295 and VA Route 1 interchanges have opened, and work continues on several new ramps.

Ramps Scheduled for Completion in 2011:

I-95 south to Telegrpah Road south (Spring 2011)
Telegraph Road south to North Kings Highway (Spring 2011)

Variable Speed Limit:
VDOT implemented a Variable Speed Limit (VSL) traffic management system to counter delays and back-ups due to continued major construction on the interchanges and long distance lanes.

To maximize traffic flow and improve safety, the VSL system changes speed limits on the Capital Beltway/I-95/I-495 approaching lane closures on the Virginia side of the Wilson Bridge. Drivers are informed of current speed limits through electronic signs posted along the seven-mile portion of the highway between the Springfield Interchange and Maryland.

The Virginia State police are strictly enforcing the variable speed limit to ensure the system functions as planned.

Background:

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge is the only federally-owned bridge in the federal highway Interstate System.
Opened in 1961 with a design capacity of 75,000 vehicles per day, the six-lane Wilson Bridge currently moves about 200,000 vehicles.
By 2020, traffic volume is expected to approach 300,000 vehicles daily.
Analysis conducted as part of ten years of intermittent studies defined the need for 14-16 lanes to manage projected travel demand.
Local officials "compromised" at 12-lanes (4 through lanes, 1 Route 1/I-295 connector lane and 1 HOV/Transit lane in each direction) while no-growth and vocal community activists lobbied and sued unsuccessfully for ten lanes.
The first half of the Route 1 Beltway overpass in Alexandria opened to traffic March 4, 2007.
The first of two new six-lane spans was dedicated on May 17, 2006 and was opened to traffic on June 9, 2006. Inner loop traffic was shifted to the new span on July 16, 2006 and demolition of the old loop began in August 2006.
The second six-lane span was completed in May 2008.

For past Alliance Alerts regarding the Woodrow Wilson Bridge replacement project, click here.

For More Information Contact:
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project
2901 Eisenhower Avenue, Unit C
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-329-0300
www.wilsonbridge.com