Feds Crowdsource Ideas To Fix Crumbling DC-Area Bridge
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Highway Administration wants your ideas to speed up rebuilding the American Legion Memorial Bridge, which connects Maryland and Virginia. This project affects drivers on I-495 and I-270 and aims to save time and money while improving traffic flow. Share your thoughts by February 9, 2026, to help make this important bridge upgrade happen faster and smarter!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Severe bridge congestion hurts drivers
You may face large delays and safety risks when using the American Legion Memorial Bridge. The bridge now carries over 216,000 vehicles and 21,400 heavy trucks per day, and peak commuting speeds frequently fall to roughly 15 miles per hour, making daily trips slower and less reliable.
Truck delays cost region $43 million
Congestion at the bridge contributes to large freight delays: the corridor is on the 2024 National List of Major Freight Highway Bottlenecks with an estimated annual congestion cost due to truck delay of $43 million. That delay raises costs for freight operations and the regional economy.
State lacks funds; P3 financing suggested
Maryland does not have the necessary revenue or bonding capacity to fund replacement of the bridge, which has delayed construction. The notice says public-private partnerships (P3s) can help by enabling longer-term financing, transferring appropriate risks to the private sector, reducing lifecycle costs, and leveraging private capital for upfront construction.
Project includes express toll lanes
The I-495 & I-270 Managed Lane Project will feature express toll lanes in addition to free general purpose lanes, and Virginia's I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension will extend existing Express Lanes by approximately three miles to the American Legion Memorial Bridge. Managed toll lanes are part of the planned corridor changes.
FHWA invites industry proposals (deadline)
FHWA is requesting statements of interest, capabilities, designs, cost and timeline information, and general project proposals to accelerate the bridge reconstruction; comments must be received on or before February 9, 2026. Submissions will be used to inform FHWA and will be shared with the Maryland Department of Transportation for consideration.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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