MD, VA Reach 'Historic' Deal To Replace American Legion Bridge

BETHESDA, MD — The governors of Maryland and Virginia announced Tuesday that they have reached a "once-in-a-generation" agreement to rebuild and widen the American Legion Bridge — one of the worst traffic chokepoints in the metro area.

The ambitious, bipartisan agreement — called the "Capital Beltway Accord" — aims to replace the existing lanes across the Potomac River and add two new express lanes for about three miles, between the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia to the vicinity of River Road in Maryland.

The multibillion-dollar project will also include new bicycle and pedestrian paths on both sides of the Potomac River.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) say the "Capital Beltway Accord" will alleviate traffic congestion on the interstate bridge, cut commuting time in half for many travelers, and offer 40 percent more lane capacity.

"A new bridge means commuters will get to work and back home faster," Northam said. "Our teams have identified a way to fix one of the worst traffic hot spots in the country. This demonstrates what can get done when leaders come together to find shared solutions to tough regional problems. This is about helping people see their families more, grow their businesses, and further unlock the region's vast economic potential."

Officials say the bridge has been operating beyond its capacity for nearly 40 years. More than 40 percent of the region's population travels over the American Legion Bridge, with 235,000 vehicles using it daily. Daily traffic has grown 390 percent since the bridge opened in 1962.

Maryland will take the lead on this multibillion-dollar project, covering 79 percent of the general purpose lanes, 50 percent of the express lanes, and 100 percent of the southbound express lanes and general purpose lanes from MD-190/River Road to the George Washington Parkway.

Virginia will cover 21 percent of the general purpose lanes, 50 percent of the express lanes, and 100 percent of the northbound express lanes and general purpose lanes from the George Washington Parkway to MD-190/River Road.

"The 'Capital Beltway Accord' is a once-in-a-generation achievement for the capital region," said Hogan. "A bipartisan, commonsense, interstate agreement such as this has eluded elected leaders throughout the region for many decades. Together with our partners in Virginia, we are building a foundation for even greater economic growth, greater opportunity for our citizens, and advancing real, lasting, transformative improvements for the entire Washington metropolitan region."