Kutz Bridge Rehabilitation Causes Lane Closures

Date: May 5, 2015
Contact: Mike Litterst, 202-245-4676

Washington –The National Park Service will begin repairs this week to the Kutz Bridge, which carries the eastbound leg of Independence Avenue SW over the Tidal Basin. The project is expected to last until early fall and will include repair to and repaving of the bridge surface;widening of the bridge's south sidewalk to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements;increasing safety for pedestrians and bicyclist using the bridge;and general maintenance.

Motorists can expect to find lane closures during the first two phases of the project:

• The initial phase of the work will include repair to the erosion area on the northeast corner of the bridge. During this time, motorists should expect to find temporary lane closures. All three lanes of traffic will be open during morning rush hours, two lanes will remain open for the rest of the day until 7 p.m., and a single lane will remain open to traffic from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m.

• Starting on Monday, June 1, 24-hour lane closures will be implemented as repair work begins on the bridge surface. Work will be completed one lane at a time, allowing two lanes to remain open to traffic at all times for the duration of this phase, which is expected to last approximately three weeks.

Drivers are advised to avoid the Kutz Bridge, if possible, during the work. Those who use the bridge can anticipate delays and should allow extra travel time while driving through the work areas, and observe and obey all traffic controls and posted signs.

The Kutz Bridge, first known as the Independence Avenue Bridge, was completed in 1943. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing element of the East &West Potomac Parks Historic District.

NPS