(June 1, 2012)  -  As part of the regularly scheduled review and maintenance cycle, crews will inspect the I-95/I-495 Woodrow Wilson Bridge over the Potomac River beginning next week and continuing through fall. Using up to three “snooper” trucks that have hydraulic arms with buckets to access the underside of the bridge, crews will periodically close one traffic lane during off-peak hours Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crews will make four “passes” by first inspecting the inner loop bridge carrying the local lanes, then the inner loop bridge carrying the regular use lanes then move to the outer loop bridge for the same inspections.  Later this summer, crews will close the pedestrian walkway adjacent to the inner loop bridge for several days to place inspection equipment on the pedestrian walkway.  Crews will place signs to notify pedestrians in advance of the walkway closure.  Closer to the Virginia portions of the interstate, crews will access the bridges from Jones Point Park.

As part of the inspection, technicians will perform an assessment to document and measure cracks that typically develop in bridges over time. The assessment serves as a baseline condition report to compare changes between inspections.  The Maryland and Virginia Departments of Transportation are proactively assessing the bridges based on a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) notice concerning grout material with potentially higher than normal chloride levels produced between 2002 and 2010. Elevated chloride levels in grout poses no immediate concern for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, however both states will continue to inspect and monitor the bridge for potential issues.

As crews perform inspections over the next four months, travelers are encouraged to plan ahead by checking traffic information by calling 511 in Maryland or Virginia.  Should drivers encounter the off-peak lane closures, they should stay alert, follow all signs and traffic control devices and slow down.  For more information on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge project, visit www.wilsonbridge.com; for information about travel in Virginia, visit www.virginiadot.org  and in Maryland, visit www.roads.maryland.gov. 

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