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Keeping You Moving
Mariner's Alerts!
Using the Mariner’s Alert Page:
First time users should read this entire page to determine the best plan to transit the WWB Project construction zone via the Potomac River.
Special Alert:
As of July 22, 2007 the new drawbridge is operational and available for openings. However, due to ongoing commissioning of the new drawbridge, USCG has authorized that the bridge remain in the closed position during the 10am-2pm timeframe. Otherwise, bridge openings will be performed per CFR regulations (attached) though the Project requests that openings be held to the midnight to 4:00AM timeframe to minimize traffic impacts during the commissioning process. The Project appreciates the cooperative nature of mariners during this phase.
With the bridge in the closed position, the Federal Channel has a vertical clearance of 75 feet at the Federal channel edges and 83 feet at center channel from the bottom of the steel girders. The navigation light posts hang down an additional 5 feet from the bottom of the girders.
Work on the new bridges and the fender ring system will continue through mid-2008. Boaters should use caution and be on the look out for the fender piles surrounding the new drawbridge piers. Intermittent channel restrictions and closures will be required, to support this work, mainly during day light hours from Monday through Friday. The Project will make every attempt to keep at least the Federal channel or the Auxiliary channel open at all times, in fact both should be available most evenings, nights, and weekends (see Weekly Schedule).
In addition, the old drawbridge over the Federal Channel has been removed and the Bridge Tender telephone number is now 703-836-2396, The tender house is not manned 24/7 at this time (see temporary contact info below).
Demolition of the remaining portion of the pre-existing bridge will continue through early 2008. While the focus of this effort will be the pre-existing bridge from east of the Federal channel to the Maryland shoreline, a debris removal effort will be ongoing near the Federal Channel from late July through early fall to remove debris from the river bottom as a result of explosive demolition of the old drawbridge. Please note restrictions in the Weekly Schedule below and pay close attention when transiting the construction area.
For any questions, please contact Mr. Mike Baker, Environmental Manager for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project at 301-749-5264 or 202-438-7499.
Detailed Weekly Schedule (as available):
During the restricted period, a minimum of 50' of horizontal channel width will be available in the Fed Channel (50' open between 6pm - 6:30am).
For questions or to schedule passage call Srinivas Gunna, Bascule Contract Resident Engineer, at 571-237-1573, Mike Baker, Project Environmental Manager at 202-438-7499, or the Tug Potomac Constructor on Marine Radio Channel 13.
See additional details in above and below sections.
Ongoing/Long Term WWB Project Navigational Alerts:
The floating accessway across the Federal Channel was permanently removed in April of 2007 and is no longer a potential impediment to mariners. The floating accessway from the VA shoreline to the drawbridge pier has also been removed though construction remains extremely active in this area.
The Project-designated auxiliary channel remains in place to the east of the Federal channel under a fixed-span portion of the bridge (45 foot vertical clearance, 130 foot horizontal clearance, and 22 foot MLW depth). The auxiliary channel offers an alternative to the Federal channel when the Federal channel may be closed or restricted by construction equipment (see Weekly Schedule). Mariners are advised to follow new auxiliary channel markers carefully.
Work is continuing across the river on the new bridges. Mariners are advised to stay clear of barges and tugboats at all times and to be aware of overhead hazards associated with the construction and demolition effort. Contractors are using signage on barges and the bridges to warn mariners of potential hazard zones and to advise of suggested routes for passage under the bridge at areas other than the Federal channel and the temporary auxiliary channel. Priority is placed on keeping the unmarked “channel” open and safe near the Maryland shoreline, which is commonly utilized by bass boaters.
For further information and updates to construction operations, contact Mr. Mike Baker, Environmental Manager for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project at 301-567-5264 or 202-438-7499.
Continuing Safety Alert:
Boaters PLEASE adhere to the NO WAKE zone starting 600 feet south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and continuing into the Old Town Alexandria NO WAKE zone. A serious incident in June 2005 due to the wake of a speeding boat could have resulted in the fatality of a construction worker. CONTROL YOUR WAKE BEFORE ENTERING THE WORK ZONE. Also be cognizant that overhead work is occurring across the river on the bridge and may not be directly associated with barges and cranes. Monitoring and Enforcement patrols have increased. Your cooperation and support is greatly appreciated.
