Repairs on the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge will bring a detour to a heavily trafficked commuter route beginning this weekend and continuing for several months.
Starting on Sunday, Feb. 15, the bridge’s capacity will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes in each direction, and the Arlington Blvd eastbound ramp will be closed through early June.
To get into D.C. from this portion of Arlington Blvd, motorists will have to reroute down to Arlington Memorial Bridge and go through the roundabout.
“To minimize traffic delays, DDOT suggests commuters utilize different routes, including Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge to Whitehurst Freeway to E Street NW,” the District Department of Transportation said in a traffic advisory.
Some traffic changes have already been in effect on the bridge since May 2025, but the Arlington Blvd ramp previously remained open to commuters.
The traffic change supports structural repairs to replace the bridge deck on the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, extending the structure’s life by about 20 to 30 years. The project will also widen the north sidewalk, upgrade the traffic barrier and replace all existing signage.
The bridge opened in 1964 and carries about 95,000 vehicles per day, representing 25% of D.C. traffic across the Potomac River.
