A series of pronounced “bumps” on the westbound lanes of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge have caused a major headache for commuters trying to get out of downtown this week — one of the few major glitches so far in the $6.5 million renovation project.
Construction crews milled down a short span of the 42-year-old bridge during the weekend, leaving behind four large ridges that are forcing an estimated 50,000 outbound drivers to come to a nearly complete stop to avoid damage to their vehicles.
The stoppage is leading to a backup nearly a dozen blocks along Constitution Avenue, spilling onto a dozen other cross streets.
D.C. Department of Transportation spokesman Erik Linden said he is asking drivers to be patient for another few days.
“We’ve been working on that area for three days and our goal is that in 10 days the bumps will be gone,” Linden said. “The forecast is good for the coming days, so that helps work crews.”
“Bumps” on the eastbound lanes did cause some backups on Route 50 and Interstate 66, but the bumps were not as pronounced and allowed drivers to maintain some speed, officials said. Transportation officials have also received very few complaints regarding the weekend and night closures of several ramps leading to bridge since construction began earlier this year.
The seven-lane span — one of five connecting the District to Virginia — is getting new steel supports and new decking in the most extensive upgrade of the 2,500-foot bridge since it opened in 1964.
Linden said contractors are scheduled to work off-peak and nighttime hours seven days a week and hope to complete the project by December.
“We appreciate motorists working with us and being patient as we work toward completion,” Linden said.
