Local Transportation and Traffic

Humpback Bridge reconstruction

Approx. Dates: 2008-01-07 - 2011-06-01

Overview

The Federal Highway Administration and the National Park Service are rebuilding the entire bridge on the George Washington Memorial Parkway just north of Interstate 395 and immediately south of the Columbia Island Marina. The bridge is a major commuter route. More than 75,000 vehicles cross it every day, far more than it was designed to carry when it was built in 1932. The bridge needed to be replaced to meet this much heavier demand, reducing congestion and improving safety. While the construction pattern minimizes the impact on rush-hour traffic, congestion does occur.

Current phase

The old northbound lanes of the bridge are being demolished and rebuilt. Northbound traffic has shifted temporarily to the center of the bridge. The too-short ramp from the southbound 14th Street Bridge to the northbound parkway also is being rebuilt. During this phase of construction, the old ramp is closed and drivers are on a new temporary ramp.

The Mount Vernon Trail, which runs over the bridge, is temporarily relocated. Bike riders should dismount when they reach the construction zone and watch for construction equipment, which may be crossing the trail.

All this is going to result in an increase in the number of brief closings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. These closings will last up to 15 minutes. During this phase, scheduled to last till the end of 2010, at least one lane will remain open in each direction -- except for those 15 minute closings.

The bridge project is behind schedule. The original timetable called for completion of the rebuilding in February 2010. Project managers say it has been delayed till spring 2011, because of unforeseen problems with the utilities in the area, ground conditions and bad weather.

Routes:George Washington Pkwy

Locations:

More Information