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New Bike Path On The Wilson Bridge
By spokesman | June 3, 2009
Bridges and overpasses often act as barriers to cyclists. A narrow bridge without a bike lane can effectively cut off bicycle routes. If the only available bridge to cross a body of water or highway is part of a road that doesn’t allow cyclists, bicycle commuting becomes impossible. Thankfully the new Wilson Bridge has include a bike lane.
The Wilson Bridge is part of the Capitol Beltway, a major interstate highway that doesn’t allow cyclists. The old Wilson Bridge has been replaced with two parallel bridges as part of a $2.5 billion project. The bike path on the new Wilson bridge opens this weekend. This will become an important route for commuters, a destination for weekend riders and an important link for bicycle tourists. In the future I will write some posts on how this new path can be used as part of some touring routes including linking to the C&O Canal or riding to the Chesapeake Bay.
The new Wilson Bridge is actually two side-by-side 6,075-foot-long drawbridges. The first bridge opened to traffic in mid 2006 and the second bridge opened in summer 2008. Whereas the nearly 30-foot lower old bridge opened for passing vessels an average of 260 times a year, the new bridges will open about 20 times per year. This will greatly improve traffic flow. One of the spans has a 12 foot wide bike path that is separated from traffic by a barrier. The path has several wider areas to enable riders to stop and enjoy the view. There is a good write-up on the Wilson Bridge Trail on the bridge website.
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is organizing a ride this Saturday when the bike path officially opens.
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Topics: Trails/Bike Routes, Washington DC |