Next phase of Woodrow Wilson Bridge ready to go

Virginia's Commonwealth Transportation Board awarded a $146.6 million contract to rebuild the Rte. 1 interchange, the next phase of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. Initial work is scheduled to begin in mid-January.

The $146.6 million contract is 7.8% below the estimate. Tidewater Skanska Inc., Virginia Beach, is the contractor for the project. Tidewater led a joint venture that built foundations for the new bridge--a $125 million job that was completed last summer on schedule and on budget.

Rebuilding the Rte. 1 interchange is needed to improve mobility and safety in concert with the rest of the Wilson Bridge Project. The contract includes the construction of several bridges and interchange ramps at Rte. 1 and the Capital Beltway, mainline roadway pavement, ground improvement, noise barriers, drainage systems, utility relocations, traffic systems, signs, roadway lighting and landscaping. It also includes the reconstruction and widening of a 3/4-mile stretch of Rte. 1 from Fort Hunt Road to Huntington Ave. in Fairfax County. Concurrent with several other project contracts, the contract is scheduled to be completed in mid-2009.

VDOT and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project will continue to work to keep traffic moving during Rte. 1 construction. Major work will be performed during non-rush hours.