​Motorists Can Expect Temporary Traffic Stops on Capital Beltway 

(June 13, 2024) – The Maryland State Highway Administration is alerting motorists to a drawbridge opening of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (I-95/I-495/Capital Beltway) to accommodate an early morning boat passage on Monday, June 17 and an overnight passage on Tuesday, June 25. 

At 4:45 a.m. June 17, the drawbridge will open once for a planned boat passage of 11 recreational vessels on the Potomac River, which requires full traffic stops in both directions on the bridge. There may be the need to open the drawbridge again on June 18 at 4:45 a.m. to allow additional vessels passage.  

Additionally, the drawbridge will open again at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 to allow the vessels to depart. Both stops will take approximately 20 minutes. The boat passages are part of the Clipper Round the World Race​, a global yacht race. 

Motorists are advised to allow extra driving time overnight on Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 25 to accommodate the delays. The State Highway Administration understands this drawbridge opening will inconvenience some travelers and asks all motorists to please stay alert and be patient as you pass through the area.