Woodrow Wilson Bridge Replacement

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Replacement

The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge replacement was one of the largest public works projects in the mid-Atlantic region. After its feature on Discovery Channel’s Extreme Engineering series, the bridge was deemed the “world’s largest drawbridge.” Replacing the original bridge from 1961, which was designed to carry only 75,000 vehicles per day, the new bridge meets the demands of the now hundreds of thousands of vehicles- nearly 250,000- that cross over the Potomac River each day. Services provided by NXL, a division of Century Engineering, Inc., included construction engineering and inspection which contributed to the colossal effort resulting in this much needed bridge replacement.

Meeting an Increased Demand

Bridge improvements have been under consideration since the late 1980s after the original bridge reached its design volume in just eight years. Due to the extensive development in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs, and what some may call the Renaissance in Washington, D.C., crossing the Potomac River is an absolute necessity for working professionals in the greater Washington, D.C. area.  

Efficient Operation

People’s livelihoods depended upon the safety of the bridge, and it needed replacement- fast. The 7.5-mile long VDOT and FHWA project replaced the current bridge and the four interchanges adjacent to the crossing that are imperative for efficient operation. Our team provided the construction engineering, inspection, and administration services on this bascule bridge replacement project.

A Legacy Fulfilled

Beyond work commutes, the bridge also connects the people of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. President Wilson, an advocate of highway improvements himself, stated, “My interest in good roads is… to bind communities together and open their intercourse, so that it will flow with absolute freedom and facility.” The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge replacement truly exemplifies President Wilson’s vision for “good roads” and is instrumental in binding together the surrounding communities.

Project Facts
Owner

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Location

Northern Virginia

Markets
Project Facts
Owner

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Location

Northern Virginia

Markets

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