Theodore Roosevelt Bridge set to undergo major renovations

The Theodore Roosevelt Bridge that connects D C to Northern Virginia is set to get a million upgrade beginning next week The renovation project will take an estimated three and a half years but D C Department of Transportation executives are hoping to minimize the traffic impact The -year-old bridge carries nearly vehicles a day and functions as a key point of entry and exit in and out of the city DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum noted the bridge is in pretty rough shape and has needed repairs for years This is the first major restoration project on that bridge So there s a number of structural improvements and we re going to be upgrading the deck Then there s also going to be particular great aesthetic improvements that are very much needed she mentioned We will repaint because it is looking really shabby and not befitting an entry corridor into our beautiful city But much more than just repainting will take place The entire deck will be replaced and the bridge will be widened for more pedestrian and cyclist use Also planned are extensive structural repairs including upgrading traffic impediments and railings along with replacing signage and sign structures DDOT disclosed there are several key impacts on traffic in and out of D C from Arlington Lane reductions and prospective closures will occur throughout the construction period Increased congestion is expected on I- and surrounding roadways Sidewalk widening and deck replacement may affect pedestrian and bicycle access Signage and detour information will be updated regularly The traffic agency is making the following recommendations to motorists and others who use the bridge Commuters should seek alternative routes when viable Populace transit and carpooling are encouraged to minimize delays Travelers should monitor DDOT updates for real-time traffic conditions When the project is completed Kershbaum explained the bridge will look much different and be more functional for cars pedestrians and cyclists We re going to be widening the north sidewalk by feet so the sidewalk will definitely jut over the existing footprint and make it far more inviting for pedestrians and for cyclists she noted The project will last until so it is a number of years We are doing everything we can to both expedite the project and also keep as multiple lanes open as we can The federal regime will be footing of the multimillion dollar check Kershbaum announced no lane changes are planned for the bridge and it will continue to operate with seven lanes three inbound and three outbound and one reversible with that being inbound in the morning and outbound in the afternoon The Roosevelt Bridge opened during the early years of Lyndon B Johnson s administration Since its opening years ago it has been maintained by DDOT and the majority latest repairs took place in Located near the Kennedy Center and the National Mall as well as near Arlington National Cemetery and numerous monuments the bridge also serves as a major connection point on the D C Evacuation Highway and the National Highway System Source