Work will start next month on the second phase of aproject to restore the historic Wisconsin Avenue Bridge.
The 175-year-old crossing, which carries vehicle traffic over the C&O Canal in Georgetown, is the District’s oldest bridge, according to the District Department of Transportation. It also is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The District plans to reinforce the deck and roadway on the sandstone bridge and upgrade the crossing’s utilities.
From January to May, when work is expected to end, at least one lane of traffic will flow each way on the bridge and one sidewalk will be open.
“It is an example of short-term pain for long-term gain,” DDOT spokesman Erik Linden said. “We are trying to minimize the pain.”
The first phase of the $750,000 project, which strengthened the bridge’s base, wrapped up earlier this year.
About 1,000 vehicles each day use the bridge, which runs north and south on Wisconsin Avenue just south of M Street and just north of K Street, according to DDOT.
The Wisconsin Avenue Bridge is not the only historic crossing in the District to see improvements. A $9 million, 18-month project to rehabilitate the 75-year-old Klingle Bridge (Connecticut Avenue between Macomb Street and Devonshire Place) is set to finish in April 2008.
“These bridges need tender, loving care,” Linden said. “The restoration projects are delicate and necessary.”
