Roosevelt Bridge traffic: What to expect during construction until June

Tuesday was the first commuting day since major traffic restrictions went into effect on the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, which carries Interstate 66 between Arlington and the District. The bridge repairs are reducing traffic from three lanes in each direction down to two in each direction.

When you compress the traffic outbound or inbound, it’s going to create some traffic issues. Delays have definitely been building around rush hours, and drivers will need to pay extra attention.

Some commuters said they’re trying to avoid this bridge at all costs now, especially at rush hours. The nearby Key and Memorial bridges have been picking up workaround traffic as a result.

In addition to the lane reductions on the bridge, the important Route 50 ramp from the Rosslyn area to the bridge is now closed, affecting traffic on the Virginia side.

These changes will continue until June. The entire project will take more time, though — at least another two years of construction.

The repairs are expected to put the bridge in good shape for another 20 to 30 years.

News4 previously reported that the Roosevelt Bridge, which carries almost 100,000 vehicles a day, had been classified as in poor condition for some time, according to the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT). The bridge had exposed steel dating back 60 years, puddles of water and thick mud, and broken pipes.

DDOT says the cost of the bridge repairs will be about $130 million.