If You Thought Traffic on 16th Street Was Rough Now – “Significant” Closures coming for 16th Street Bridge Construction Starting March 27th

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Construction of the 16th Street Bridge will require significant closures on 16th Street, NW and Military Road, NW. Starting March 27 for up to four months, weather permitting, the bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction, and eastbound and westbound Military Road NW. One lane will be maintained in each direction on these two roadways, except for several weekends when there will be full closures of Military Road, NW to replace the 16th Street Bridge.

DDOT will inform the public in advance of these closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use Georgia Avenue as an alternate route to bypass construction on 16th Street, NW. Additionally at this time, the 16th Street ramp to westbound Military Road, NW will be closed. A detour will be posted. Drivers can expect turn restrictions at 16th Street ramp intersections; and they are urged to obey posted signs.”

Full press release after the jump.

Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced the start of second phase construction to replace the 16th Street Bridge over Military Road, NW. Construction will begin on Friday, March 27 at the end of the morning rush hour and will last up to four months, weather permitting.

Second phase construction will involve the complete replacement of the 16th Street Bridge over Military Road, NW. In addition to replacing the existing, 57-year-old bridge structure, DDOT will refurbish the roadway, install new drainage infrastructure and upgrade traffic signals and street lights on 16th Street, NW.

“The 16th Street Bridge has served District residents and visitors for more than 50 years, but now is the time to make it safer and more reliable for drivers. This project represents an aggressive effort by the District to improve the infrastructure throughout our transportation system and strengthen this critical crossing point that carries over 50,000 vehicles per day moving around our great city,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

From March to July 2015, residents and commuters are advised to prepare for major traffic impacts on 16th Street and Military Road, and adjacent arteries during this project. During this period, there will be ongoing single-lane closures on northbound and southbound 16th Street, NW and eastbound and westbound Military Road, NW. One lane will be maintained in each direction on these two roadways at all times, except for several weekends when there will be full closures of Military Road, NW to replace the 16th Street Bridge. Commuters are encouraged to use Georgia Avenue as an alternate route to bypass construction on 16th Street, NW.

Using innovative planning, design and construction methods, the District will cut more than six months off the total construction time.

“DDOT is constantly working on ways to minimize disruptions,” said DDOT Acting Director Leif Dormsjo. “We’re doing everything we can to reduce the time it takes to complete this project.”