News Release

Arlington Memorial Bridge will close to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians for a weekend in December

Date: November 27, 2018
Contact: Jonathan Shafer, [phone]

WASHINGTON – The National Park Service will close Arlington Memorial Bridge to drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians from  9 p.m. on Friday, December 7, to 5 a.m. on Monday, December 10. We will reschedule the work if there is bad weather.

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will need to  use alternative routes to cross the Potomac River. Boaters in the Potomac River should approach the bridge with caution and avoid the area near its center span. You can learn more about how construction affects access to the bridge on a daily basis at go.nps.gov/MemorialBridge.

“We’re closing the bridge to keep everyone safe,” said acting superintendent, Blanca Alvarez Stransky. “We need your cooperation in observing these closures. If anyone enters the work area during the closure, it will increase the amount of time we need to complete the work.”

During this closure, work crews will:

• Install a temporary support structure under the middle arch of the bridge

• Begin to remove steel from the center span of the bridge

We are coordinating this closure with neighboring departments of transportation, emergency responders, and river users. Learn about how construction has changed the ways you use the bridge at go.nps.gov/MemorialBridge.

When the December 7-10 closure ends, we will return to the current three lane traffic pattern. That means there will be one constant eastbound and one constant westbound lane with a reversible third lane to accommodate rush hour traffic.

Over the next two and a half years, we expect a limited number of full bridge closures on weekends and occasional, short full closures of the bridge at night. The next full weekend closure is tentatively planned for January 2019.

#MoreThanABridge

Since its dedication in 1932, Arlington Memorial Bridge has served as a monument to national sacrifice and valor—a symbol of reunification, spanning the historic divisions of North and South. As one of the largest transportation infrastructure projects in National Park Service history, the rehabilitation of Arlington Memorial Bridge will give new life to our capital’s ceremonial entrance while respecting its character, history and national significance. Learn more at go.nps.gov/MemorialBridge.