Bridge Closure Ahead: Mayor Gaskins Urges Patience During Key Alexandria-Arlington Replacement Project
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Drivers who use the Mount Vernon Avenue South Arlington Ridge Road Bridge should prepare for detours and delays later this month as Arlington County and the City of Alexandria begin a major infrastructure replacement project.
In a video update posted to social media Monday morning, Alyia Gaskins explained that the aging bridge will be fully closed to traffic in both directions from May 16 through May 23 while crews work to replace the structure.
“This closure is necessary to ensure worker safety while replacing aging infrastructure,” Gaskins said in the video. She emphasized that the work is a coordinated effort between Arlington County and the City of Alexandria aimed at improving long-term safety and travel reliability in the corridor.
During the construction period, traffic will be detoured via Glebe Road and Route 1. Weekday construction hours will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while weekend work is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No work is planned for Sunday, May 17.
Gaskins warned residents to expect congestion and encouraged commuters to adjust travel plans if possible.
“We are asking the community to seek alternative routes during the closure period because delays are likely,” she said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete this important project.”
According to city officials, efforts are underway to minimize disruptions and maintain traffic flow throughout the week-long closure. Information about Metrobus detours and other transit impacts will also be available online.
“The City of Alexandria website is the best place for residents to find detailed information about construction hours, detour maps, and transit changes,” Gaskins noted.
The project focuses on replacing aging infrastructure while improving long-term safety for drivers, transit users, and pedestrians traveling between Alexandria and Arlington.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from both Arlington County and the City of Alexandria in case schedules or traffic patterns change during construction week.
