Traffic Alert: All Clear Given on Suspicious Device; Beltway to Reopen (Update)

PHOTOS: Woodrow Wilson Bridge southbound local lanes were closed while a bomb squad and dog inspected a suspicious package on the pedestrian walkway. PG Fire Department Photos

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UPDATE 3:50 p.m.:

An investigation of a suspicious package by a bomb technician, plus a bomb-sniffing dog, and Xrays of the package have resulted in the all-clear being given. Authorities say the report was a “good intent call by a citizen and investigation was warranted.”

Local lanes of the Beltway will reopen within 30 minutes.

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UPDATE 2:23 p.m.:

While Prince George’s County bomb squad members investigate a suspicious package, the I-95/495 (Southbound-Inner Loop) local lanes on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge are closed.

Authorities are warning commuters to expect heavy delays on I-95/I-495 Inner Loop, and I-295 southbound. All through lanes are open.

At about 2 p.m., a PGFD bomb tech was dressed in full protective gear and was approaching the suspicous package location via a police cart, according to Mark Brady, Prince George’s County Fire Department public information officer.

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UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: Mark Brady, a public information officer for the Prince George’s County Fire Department, said Friday that southbound local lanes on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge are closed while the county’s bomb squad inspects a suspicious package.

See updates here.

Traffic on the Maryland side is being diverted to I-295 North, Brady said.

The package was discovered mid-span closer to the Maryland side on the pedestrian walkway, he said.

Brady said he could not disclose information about what the package looks like or who called authorities.

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UPDATE 1:40 p.m: Metropolitan Area Transportation Operations Coordination reports Friday afternoon that all traffic is being diverted to I-295 northbound and for commuters to seek alternate routes as officials investigate a suspicious package on the pedestrian walkway on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.