(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced plans are in place to open a temporary one-lane bridge on Broad Branch Road, NW between Brandywine and Ridge Roads. The temporary bridge will open in time for the evening commute on Monday, June 20, 2011 and remain in place through late July.

The temporary bridge will only allow for travel in one direction at a time. In addition, to reduce the risks of conflicts, DDOT’s traffic plan includes a specific schedule for northbound and southbound travel across the bridge during the morning and evening rush hours. At all other times, north and southbound traffic will have to share use of the bridge and drivers are urged to use caution.

New Traffic Pattern for Temporary Bridge

Southbound Travel Monday through Friday

• • Between 6:15 am and 10 am the bridge will only be open for southbound travel.
  • Southbound travel will not be permitted between 2:45 pm and 7:15 pm.

Northbound Travel Monday through Friday

• • Between 3 pm and 7 pm the bridge will only be open for northbound travel.
  • Northbound travel will not be permitted between 6 am and 10:15 am.

At all other times including weekends and holidays, traffic will be permitted to travel in either direction, one direction at a time, across the bridge. Vehicles must first stop before crossing the bridge and the right-of-way will alternate between southbound and northbound traffic.

New Traffic Pattern for Temporary Bridge

Broad Branch Road, NW between Brandywine and Ridge Roads

Additional Key Information and Safe Driving Tips

• The speed limit on the bridge will be reduced to 10 miles per hour.
• Pedestrians and cyclists are discouraged from using the bridge as it is only wide enough to accommodate a single travel lane and there are no sidewalks.
• Temporary signs and traffic control measures will be in place to alert and guide the traveling public.
• Stay Alert – obey signs and traffic control measures.
• Stop Before Crossing – before crossing stop and give way to on-coming traffic.
• Use Headlights – Use headlights while approaching and crossing.

By late July, DDOT will need to remove the temporary bridge to begin replacing the culvert that collapsed in April. DDOT anticipates the construction will take approximately 30 days to complete and plans to permanently reopen Broad Branch Road by mid September.

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For additional traffic advisories please visit DDOT’s Traffic Alerts page
or visit goDCgo.com  for more information on transportation options in the District