The area around the old span of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge will be put on lock down late Monday night as demolition experts bring down the historic structure just before midnight, official said.

The detonation is being done at that time for safety reasons and to cause the least amount of disruption, said project spokesman John Undeland. Bridge junkies and others who are just dying to catch a glimpse of their commute’s nemesis are encouraged not to get too close, he said.

Transportation officials are closing down the Capital Beltway’s Inner and Outer loops, and no aircraft will be allowed in the area for a 30-minute window. Police and other law enforcement agencies also will strongly enforce a 500-foot perimeter around the site, officials said. Undeland said the Coast Guard will patrol the Potomac River and enforce the same perimeter.

Project officials are holding an informational meeting tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, at 530 S. Saint Asaph St., for Alexandria residents who live adjacent the demolition site.

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“We want to be able to give people who will feel the rumble a chance to understand what to expect,” said project spokesman John Undeland. “We don’t want any surprises for them.”

Neighbors also will get a chance to watch the demolition from a rooftop near the work site.

mrupert@dcexaminer.com