The Theodore (Teddy, to his friends) Roosevelt Bridge’s two-year rehabilitation project started this week with new roadway changes that will be in place at least through 2027.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) started work Monday on a series of changes to the bridge described by DDOT as “structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.”
A movable zipper lane on the bridge is being closed to support construction activities. Two additional lanes will close starting next February.
DDOT said changes to the bridge’s traffic patterns include:
- Discontinue operation of the movable rush hour (zipper) lane on the bridge
- Reconfiguration into three travel lanes in each direction, which will remain in place for approximately 10 months
- Beginning in February 2026, traffic will be further reduced to two lanes in each direction for bridge deck replacement work
DDOT said the zipper lane will return once the deck replacement is completed.
The bridge opened in 1964, but DDOT noted that it’s showing its age. Sections show structural deterioration, the bridge deck is 30-50% deficient, and the four sign structures have been degraded to the point that they “no longer effectively serve travelers.”
The new roadway changes aim to extend the service life of the bridge 20-30 years and make pedestrian and bicyclist improvements (current sidewalks and traffic barriers are listed by DDOT as “substandard”).
In addition to replacing the bridge deck, DDOT’s plans include widening the north sidewalk to 10′, upgrading the traffic barrier and pedestrian railing, and replacing all signage and sign structures.
