Woodrow Wilson Bridge

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Alexandria Mayor echoes transit advocates’ concerns about Woodrow Wilson Bridge toll lanes

By Vernon Miles
Cars travel westbound I-495 on the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge (via Google Maps)

On paper, the plan to add toll lanes to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge doesn’t preclude the possibility of adding Metro access one day, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson joined the Coalition for Smarter Growth in expressing concerns that the new express lanes would make future rail plans unfeasible.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is currently considering converting a portion of the bridge reserved for future HOV/express bus/rail transit into toll lanes. VDOT said future transit could be implemented by shifting one thru lane to a local lane and reducing to one express lane in each direction. But Wilson said Alexandria has had a history of legal fights over the bridge, the notable one being a lawsuit that resulted in the bridge being 10 lanes instead of 12.

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Group protests VDOT plan to add express lanes to Woodrow Wilson Bridge

By James Cullum
The Virginia Department of Transportation's 495 Southside Study extends from the Springfield Interchange to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (via VDOT)

A proposal to add express lanes to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is getting some pushback from the Coalition for Smarter Growth, which argued VDOT’s toll lane could take Metrorail’s right of way.

The Coalition says that, if enacted, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s 495 Southside Study will create traffic bottlenecks. They’re asking locals to voice their displeasure by emailing public officials, and say that the express lanes will not improve general traffic on the bridge and that more cars will avoid the bridge and spill onto local roadways.

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The Woodrow Wilson Bridge is opening tonight

By James Cullum
An airliner approaches Ronald Reagan National Airport, viewed between the spans of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge at Jones Point Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge will briefly open tonight to allow a passing vessel through, according to a traffic advisory.

The drawbridge connecting Maryland and Virginia between the Potomac River will open at around 10 p.m. and should be up for 20 minutes, the advisory said.

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City warns locals that ’emergencies’ at Woodrow Wilson bridge next week are part of training exercise

By Vernon Miles
Fire department training at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (image via City of Alexandria)

It’s likely that during the day on Sunday, someone in Old Town will see a commotion on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. There will be fire crews assembled and a person dangling off the side.

If you’re that person and a frantic “Woodrow Wilson Bridge emergency” Google search led you here: don’t panic, fire and rescue departments are planning a series of training challenges at the bridge.

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Woodrow Wilson Bridge opening planned Thursday night

By Vernon Miles
The Woodrow Wilson Bridge at sunset (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Late-night travelers might want to find an alternative route to Maryland on Thursday: the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is having an opening on Feb. 8.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration said the bridge is scheduled to undergo routine maintenance.

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City says potential I-495 expansion could hamper efforts to improve public transit

By Jo DeVoe
Cars travel westbound I-495 on the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge (via Google Maps)

The Virginia Dept. of Transportation is mulling expanding the Express Lanes system to a section of I-495 from Fairfax County across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and into Maryland.

The city of Alexandria, however, is skeptical of the current plans, as many of the alternatives come down to adding traffic lanes. Staff say these changes could hamper attempts to get people out of their cars and onto public transportation, including future transit across the bridge.

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POLICE: No arrest after 130 mph chase through Alexandria

By James Cullum
Police car lights (file photo)

Virginia State Police did not pursue a vehicle into Maryland after an early morning high-speed chase through Alexandria.

No one was injured or vehicles struck in the chase, which began at around 1:30 a.m. near exit 173 (Van Dorn Street) on westbound Interstate 495, according to VSP.

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