The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation and other regional transportation and public safety agencies to speed traffic in the District generated by the closing of northbound lanes to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Outer Loop (I-495 / I-95).

Beginning at approximately 8 pm Friday night, July 15, 2005 through 5 am Monday morning July 18, 2005, "Long Distance Travelers" will be advised to "Use Beltway I-495 WB."

"Local Traffic" will be advised to use NB I-395 to I-295, north and south, for motorists going to Maryland, including Prince George's, Charles and Anne Arundel Counties. The detour goes through the District as follows: Northbound I-395, across the 14th Street Bridge, staying right to I-295 South, over the 11th Street Bridge, and continue on I-295 South. Northbound I-295 traffic should follow signs to Suitland Parkway exit, and loop around to I-295 north.

DDOT will increase traffic monitoring, patrols and alerts using the District's Traffic Management Center (TMC), Roadway Operations Patrol (ROP), Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) and wrecker deployment by the Department of Public Works.

A lane closure moratorium will be enforced on the detour route described above and on South Capitol Street, from SE/SW Freeway to Howard Road; Pennsylvania Avenue, Sousa Bridge to Maryland line; Suitland Parkway, from I-295 to Maryland line; and New York Avenue, from 3rd Street Tunnel to Maryland line.

Motorists should plan for major delays and follow the detour routes.