Memorial Bridge | ARLnow.com

JUST IN: New renderings show 250-foot ‘triumphal arch’ proposed for Memorial Circle

Published April 10, 2026 at 2:55PM | Updated April 10, 2026 at 3:41PM

Rendering of proposed arch near Memorial Bridge (via Commission of Fine Arts)

The Trump administration has submitted detailed architectural plans for a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch at Memorial Circle, drawing strong pushback from Arlington’s congressman.

The 12-page filing, prepared by Harrison Design and submitted by the Department of the Interior, was posted today (Friday) to the website of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts ahead of the panel’s meeting next Wednesday. It marks the first time the administration has formally filed plans for the project, which Trump has spent months teasing on social media and in the Oval Office, according to the Washington Post.

News

Restoration work begins on memorials and masonry near Arlington National Cemetery

By Dan Egitto

Published March 19, 2026 at 2:45PM

The eagles on GW Parkway, looking toward Arlington National Cemetery (courtesy of NPS)

Historic preservation work began today (Thursday) on several structures and memorials near Arlington National Cemetery, resulting in lane closures on Washington Blvd and GW Parkway.

Through mid to late May, the National Park Service will be cleaning the Boundary Channel Bridge, repairing deteriorating mortar and conducting restoration work on the Seabees Memorial, the United Spanish War Veterans Memorial and the structural bases of the nearby eagle statues.

News

Trump’s grand arch plan for Memorial Circle rests on shaky historical ground

By The Associated Press

Published February 5, 2026 at 10:15PM

Memorial Circle, the proposed plot of land near Memorial Bridge where the Independence Arch could be built is seen in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says history is on his side.

He wants to build a towering arch near the Lincoln Memorial and argues that the nation’s capital first clamored for such a monument two centuries ago — even going so far as to erect four eagle statues as part of the project before being derailed by the attack on Fort Sumter.

News

New models depict ‘Arc de Trump’ monument on Arlington side of Memorial Bridge

By Dan Egitto and The Associated Press

Published October 16, 2025 at 3:45PM

Memorial Circle, where Trump is talking about building a new 'Arc de Trump' memorial arch (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

President Donald Trump has been floating plans for a new arch monument at a heavily trafficked roundabout near Arlington National Cemetery.

Depicting a winged “Lady Liberty” flanked by two eagles, the monument — called “Independence Arch” in mock-ups but now known by the informal name “Arc de Trump” — would stand in a traffic circle on the Virginia side of Memorial Bridge, about a quarter mile from the Arlington Cemetery Metro station.

News

Another big wave of ‘No Kings’ protests planned next week in Arlington

By Dan Egitto

Published October 9, 2025 at 3:45PM

'No Kings' protesters along Langston Blvd (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Another “No Kings” day of action will involve several Arlington demonstrations next week, including a march into D.C. and a Ballston protest led by local seniors.

Over 1,500 people have already signed up for the latest wave of anti-Trump demonstrations in Arlington, part of over 2,000 protests planned nationwide on Saturday, Oct. 18, organizers told ARLnow.

News

UPDATED: Two dead after pickup truck on Memorial Bridge plunges into Potomac

By ARLnow.com

Published January 16, 2025 at 7:40PM | Updated March 18, 2025 at 9:29PM

Water rescue after vehicle plunges into Potomac (via DC Fire and EMS)

A vehicle ran off the Arlington Memorial Bridge and into the Potomac River.

A two-vehicle crash shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday caused a pickup truck to smash through the side of the bridge and into the river around mid-span.

News

NOW: Metro delays likely due to fleeing suspects on tracks

By ARLnow.com

Published July 17, 2023 at 1:00PM

File photo

(Updated at 1:10 p.m.) A suspect fleeing from police ran onto the tracks at the Rosslyn Metro station shortly before 1 p.m., delaying some trains.

The suspect ran into a tunnel in the direction of Arlington Cemetery station, according to scanner traffic. It’s not immediately clear why he or she was running from police.

Traffic

Memorial Bridge closing Saturday morning for D.C. half-marathon

By Vernon Miles

Published March 16, 2023 at 11:45AM

Route for the Rock 'n' Roll half-marathon (image via Rock 'n' Roll Running Series)

Drivers might want to keep clear of Memorial Bridge this Saturday morning: the bridge will be closed for The Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon.

While not listed among the extensive closures in D.C. connected to the race, United States Park Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Thomas Twiname confirmed to ARLnow that the bridge would be closed Saturday (March 18) morning for the half marathon.

News

Pickup truck smashes through decorative Memorial Bridge stone railing

By ARLnow.com

Published September 7, 2022 at 9:45PM

Pickup truck that crashed into and damaged the side of the Memorial Bridge (photo courtesy John Wilcox)

The driver of a pickup truck nearby ran off the side of the Memorial Bridge this evening.

The truck mounted the southern sidewalk and smashed through the decorative masonry on the side of the bridge, over the GW Parkway and the Mt. Vernon Trail. It was likely just a few feet away from falling off the side of the bridge and onto the trail.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published January 20, 2021 at 7:30AM

Va. Denied Reimbursement for Riot Response — “The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied requests from Maryland and Virginia for an emergency declaration to cover expenses associated with responding to the Capitol riot and increasing security around President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. FEMA’s decision — which both states plan to appeal — could mean the states would not receive federal funds for providing law enforcement personnel and other support.” [Washington Post]

Barriers Block Bridge — “Gate being put up at the Memorial Bridge. It’s now completely closed until Thursday morning.” [Twitter]

News

Arlington Prepares For an Inauguration Day Unlike Any Other

By Matt Blitz

Published January 19, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated January 19, 2021 at 5:22PM

Traffic in Rosslyn (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington is continuing its final preparations for a presidential inauguration unlike any other.

In wake of the U.S. Capitol riots and a still-raging pandemic (though, cases are currently on a downward trajectory), tomorrow’s inauguration of President Joe Biden will be a scaled-down and highly militarized affair.

News

Four Bridges Connecting Va. to D.C. Will Be Closed Starting Tuesday

By Matt Blitz

Published January 15, 2021 at 5:45PM | Updated January 17, 2021 at 12:13AM

The U.S. Capitol building, as seen from Arlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated on 1/17/21) A number of bridges connecting Arlington to D.C. across the Potomac River are closing due to presidential inauguration security measures.

Virginia State Police is working with the United States Secret Service to close Roosevelt Bridge, the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the I-395 Bridge and the 14th Street Bridge starting Tuesday morning through Thursday at 6 a.m., according to a joint statement from Virginia lawmakers.