Arlington Ridge Road/Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project
StatusIn Design
The bridge has reached the 60% design phase. The new bridge will include expanded sidewalks and bike lanes in each direction. The wider sidewalks and bike lanes will extend to the intersection of Arlington Ridge Road and S Glebe Road. The project will also enhance connections from the bridge to the Four Mile Run Trail. Following the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan (2006) and the Four Mile Run Design Guidelines (2009), the bridge will include art elements that enhance the bridge appeal and experience for all users.
Project Background
This project will replace the deteriorated roadway substructure and reuse the existing piers, which are stable. This reduces impacts to the watershed, helps reduce project costs and contributes to a shorter construction timeline. 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.
Design/Bid/Build
Arlington County and the City of Alexandria agreed on a design/bid/build approach for this project, where a firm is hired to take the design from 30% to final design. Once the design is complete, the project will be put out to bid, and a contractor selected for construction. The design-bid-build process will include proposals with specific art elements that enhance the bridge aesthetically, provide additional lighting on the Four Mile Run trail, and connect the design of the bridge to the communities of Arlington and Alexandria.
Responding to the communities’ concern for connectivity and the impact to residents living in proximity, 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.
Project Goals
The goals of this project are to:
- 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
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- View a summary of guidance from the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan (2006) and the Four Mile Run Design Guidelines (2009)
Public Process
Project Information Meeting and Art Enhancement Engagement - March 2022
In March 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.
Engagement Resources
Photo Gallery