CHANGE MY LOCATION
Local
California News
Multimedia News
Bridge closes for two months
SEE HOW THIS STORY DEVELOPED
Related Topics: WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - A well-used crossing that carries traffic in and out of the District closes this morning for the next two months, forcing tens of thousands of commuters to find a new way into the city or sit in traffic backups.
The 55-year-old South Capitol Street Bridge is off-limits to motorists while workers lower the first 200 feet of its northern approach. The new roadway, scheduled to open in early September, will create an intersection at Potomac Avenue and South Capitol Street that city officials say will make the area more inviting to consumers and residents.
About 65,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day during July and August, according to the District Department of Transportation.
Traffic studies indicate that the detour and resulting traffic backups could add 20 minutes to morning commutes into the District and 30 minutes to evening drives to the suburbs.
“Even on the best day without any construction, that road is jammed,” said John Townsend, a AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman. “People know about it being a congested corridor, but they still use it. The closure will disrupt traffic and cause delays. Old habits die hard.”
Detour signs will be posted to guide motorists around the closed bridge, but D.C. transportation officials are urging motorists who normally cross the bridge to use Metro to enter the city or avoid the area by using New York Avenue, Benning Road or East Capitol Street instead.
D.C. Director of Transportation Emeka Moneme said motorists should consider riding Metrorail and Metrobus instead of driving alternate routes.
jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com
