Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today reopened the city's oldest bridge following an extensive renovation.

DDOT joined Councilmember Jack Evans (Ward 2) and other partners to announce that it has completed the final phase of reconstruction of the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge over the C&O Canal.

The bridge - owned by the National Park Service - runs north and south on Wisconsin Avenue just south of M Street and north of K Street.

DDOT worked closely with the National Park Service and community representatives throughout the process in order to minimize traffic and pedestrian disruptions in this well-traveled corridor. DDOT was able to maintain two-way traffic throughout the process and provide pedestrian access for Georgetown residents and visitors.

"The innovative engineering feat performed on this historic bridge has extended the life of the bridge while increasing public safety whether you are driving over or walking under this magnificent structure," said DDOT Director, Emeka Moneme. "We are very pleased with the results and appreciative of the community partnerships utilized during this unprecedented project."

DDOT's reconstruction featured two phases:

• The first phase of the project incorporated a new engineering technique, used throughout Europe and now in the United States, called the Archtec method. Work involved strengthening the arch by the accurate placement of stainless steel anchors in cored holes within the masonry arch.
• The final phase - which began in January and wrapped up last week - was to construct a reinforced bridge deck and roadway and perform utility upgrades.  The existing original wrought iron bridge railings and other historic features were also rehabilitated and restored.

The Wisconsin Avenue Bridge is the oldest bridge in the District - and is independently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Originally called the High Street Bridge, it is the only surviving work of five stone spans erected in Georgetown by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company in the 1830s.

Built in 1831 and registered as a national monument in 1961, the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge is made primarily of sandstone; it has suffered from weather-induced erosion and very heavy use over the years.

DDOT also announced the completion of the rehabilitation of the three historic pedestrian bridges over the C&O Canal at Potomac, 33rd and 34th Streets.  Work on these bridges included utility upgrades, bridge deck replacement, rail repair, new lighting and new paint.  The pedestrian bridges serve as the main walkway to M Street for thousands of residents who live south of the canal.