Media Contact: John Lisle at (202) 671-2004
(Washington, DC) District-bound 14th Street Bridge commuters should expect substantial delays starting Monday morning, as they encounter a new traffic pattern. The four lanes of the northbound bridge will be narrowed and shifted to the left, and shoulders no longer will be available. Additionally, the speed limit will be reduced to 35 miles per hour through the work zone. These changes are necessary to enable the first major phase of repairing and resurfacing the bridge deck to commence on the far-right side of the crossing (see graphic).
Northbound 14th Street Bridge Resurfacing – Phase 1
Recognizing the must-do rehabilitation of the 14th Street Bridge will impose significant impacts on the traveling public, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is making every effort to reduce construction-related traffic impacts in the already-heavily congested corridor. These include:
- Keeping all four lanes in service during morning and evening rush hours — DDOT will not take any lanes out of service during morning and evening commuting periods during the resurfacing project.
- Implementing single-lane closures on mid-days during the work week and if necessary, double lane only on weeknights and weekends — DDOT will not impose double-lane closures on weekdays. Double-lane closures will be rare and occur only on weeknights and weekends during lightly traveled periods.
- Removing disabled vehicles immediately — A tow truck will be stationed at the bridge during commuting periods to instantly remove vehicles involved in crashes or otherwise disabled.
- Maintaining safe passage of traffic — Approximately half of construction delays are attributable to non-recurring events, such as crashes. Lowering the speed limit to 35 miles per hour will help keep traffic moving efficiently through the work zone, as well as preserve the safety of motorists and construction workers.
- Keeping traffic and construction physically and visually separated — Work areas will be separated from traffic with concrete barriers and in the coming weeks screening will be installed along top of concrete barriers as a visual barrier to lessen driver distraction.
- Empowering motorists with information — DDOT is encouraging commuters to be empowered with the latest information on the 14th Street Bridge construction by signing up for electronic alerts. Before getting behind the wheel, commuters can receive Twitter (@14thStBrdgGuru) or email alerts. DDOT’s 14th Street Bridge alerts also are carried on DC Alerts and several Northern Virginia alert systems. Commuters can register for either/or both means of notification at www.ddot.dc.gov/14thstreetbridge.
- Encouraging use of commuting alternatives — DDOT urges commuters to consider alternatives such as:
- Ride-sharing across the HOV bridge — With no work occurring on the HOV bridge, form a carpool or take local or long-distance commuter buses.
- Taking Rail or Transit — Avoid highway congestion by taking Metrorail or the Virginia Railway Express. Commuters can go to www.godcgo.com for information on alternative modes of transportation and trip planning.
- Adjusting work schedules — Use flex-time or compressed work weeks, if practical.
- Using another route — While other alternative bridges are congested during morning commute periods, the new Wilson Bridge, though six miles south, is usually free of congestion.
As a reminder weekend lanes closures will be in effect this weekend to set up the for the lane shift:
Friday, May 29
- 8 pm to 10 pm – single lane closure
- 10 pm to 8 am – double lane closure
Saturday, May 30
- 8 am to 10 pm – single lane closure
- 10 pm to 8 am – double lane closure
Sunday, May 31
- 8 am to 10 pm – single lane closure
- 10 pm to 5 am – double lane closure
Forecasts currently show fair weather over the weekend, which should enable implementation of the shift.
For more information about the construction or to sign-up for construction email or Twitter alerts, visit www.ddot.dc.gov/14thstreetbridge.