Arlington Ridge Road/Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project

Four Mile Run Trail Underpass Closed at S. Glebe Rd.

The Four Mile Run Trail underpass on Arlington County side of the bridge is closed during construction activity. Detour is available via South Glebe Road and South Lang Street.
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Location

Arlington Ridge Road/Mount Vernon Avenue, Arlington, VA 22202 View Map

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Status

Construction

Construction began in summer of 2025 and is expected to be completed in summer of 2027.

Phase 1 Reconstruction

The west side of the bridge is closed and all vehicle and sidewalk traffic has shifted to the east side of the bridge. This phase is expected to be completed in October 2026.

One lane in each direction, and the east sidewalk will remain open on the bridge.
The Four Mile Run Trail underpass on the Arlington County side on the north side of the bridge will experience temporary closures during periods of demolition on the bridge.
Trail traffic will detour via South Lang Street and South Glebe Road to reconnect with the Four Mile Run Trail. Signs will direct traffic to detour routes.

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Project Background

This project will replace the deteriorated roadway and underlying bridge deck of the Arlington Ridge Road/Mount Vernon Avenue bridge between Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. Due to the condition of the bridge, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria are working as partners to fast-track the design and construction of a replacement bridge.

Responding to the community's concern for connectivity and the impact to residents and businesses nearest to the bridge, the bridge will continue to operate during construction, but with reduced lane capacity. People walking or biking will continue to have access to the bridge through the duration of project construction.

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Project Goals

Return the bridge to a safe operational condition for all users
Improve access for people walking, biking and driving
Advance the community vision of the Four Mile Run Master Plan

Public Art Component

Artist Vicki Scuri is incorporating art elements into the design of the Ridge Road Bridge that takes inspiration from the Four Mile Run stream. Once complete, the Ridge Road Bridge and the West Glebe Road Bridge, located just a mile upstream, will be seen as a pair. The Arlington Ridge Road Bridge art component is being managed in partnership with Arlington Economic Development.

Public Process

Spring 2022 - Project Update and Art Enhancement Engagement

Consult

On March 16, 2022, the project team held a public meeting to update the community on the status of the bridge project, introduce the artist designing art enhancements to the community, and learning more about your experiences using the bridge and the Four Mile Run Valley corridor generally. An online engagement was open for two weeks to collect community feedback.

Winter 2024 – VDOT Public Notice: Section 4(f) de minimus Impact Four Mile Run Trail

Consult

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is accepting written comments regarding Arlington County’s preliminary concurrence with the Federal Highway Administration’s Section 4(f) applicability criteria for de minimis impact for a 0.08-acre temporary easement on Four Mile Run Park for the project.

Review the Section 4(f) de minimis documentation online below or by appointment only during business hours at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please call 703-259-1729 or TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate personnel.

Submit your written comments to Mr. Arun So at the above address by March 1, 2024. You may also email Arun.So@vdot.virginia.gov. Please reference “Mt Vernon Ave Bridge de minimis” in the subject line.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775 or TTY/TDD 711.

Section 4(f) de minimis documentation

Spring 2024 - Project Update Open House

The project team hosted an Open House on March 19.

Attendees were able to:

Learn more about the project background —why it’s happening now, and what the goals are for the project.
See the final art enhancement and bridge design informed by community feedback.
Understand what happens next, including anticipated impacts during construction.
Ask questions of project staff.

Meeting materials:

Project Boards: Project Background; Planning Guidance; Bridge Design; and Next Steps.
Plantillas de Proyecto: Introducción del Proyecto y Guías para el Proyecto; Diseño de puentes; y Pasos Siguientes.