Washington allocates $113 million to convert I-395 Potomac drawbridge into fixed span
The District Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have awarded Skanska a $113 million contract to refurbish the I-395 bridge and replace its 175-foot drawbridge with a permanent fixed span, with construction running through 2029.
A $113 million contract has been granted to construction firm Skanska to overhaul the I-395 bridge spanning the Potomac River between Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The District Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration are funding the project, which will permanently replace the bridge's 175-foot double-leaf drawbridge with a fixed span, removing the lifting mechanism. Additional work includes installing new vessel-protection piers, updating bridge barriers, and rehabilitating the superstructure and substructure of the approach spans.
The renovation is intended to extend the bridge's lifespan, improve structural resilience, and reduce future maintenance demands. Construction began in 2026 and is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2029, reinforcing a critical link for commuters and commercial traffic in the capital region.
Why it matters
The upgrade secures a key commuter route and cuts future maintenance costs for the Washington metropolitan area.
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