D.C. Bridge Opening Avoids 'Apocalyptic Traffic Scenarios'

After about a decade of planning and litigation, and another six years of construction, the first part of the first of two spans to replace the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge between Prince George's County, Md. and Alexandria, Va. is open to traffic.

1 minute read

June 13, 2006, 6:00 AM PDT

By David Gest

"'There are no tie-ups, and traffic is moving across the bridge easily and efficiently,' said John Undeland, a spokesman for the project. 'The contractor deserves a tip of the hat.'"

"For those steeped in the 20-year history of the 7 1/2 -mile, $2.44 billion project to replace the decrepit old bridge -- connecting Prince George's County and Alexandria across the Potomac River -- it was a banner weekend."

"A good system of detours and alternate routes, Undeland said, helped ease congestion along the northbound Interstate 95-Capital Beltway approach to the bridge, which was shut down while workers finished paving the new span. He also speculated that area drivers probably deserved some credit for heeding the call to avoid the area."

Thanks to C. P. Zilliacus

Read the full story: Wilson Bridge Span Open Early; Now to Do It All Over Again

Monday, June 12, 2006 in The Washington Post

Transportation District of Columbia Maryland Virginia

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