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The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail Has Opened for Use by Bicyclists, Runners, and Walkers
The Distance Between Alexandria, VA and Oxon Hill, MD Has Shortened
From the Wilson Bridge Project
June 9, 2009
Prince George's County, MD
Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia became even closer neighbors Saturday with the dedication of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail. A host of dignitaries were joined by bikers, runners, and walkers in celebrating the new region-connecting bridge trail on National Trails Day. The bridge trail provides a much-anticipated connection between Alexandria and Prince George's County. In Maryland, the trail links to the new Potomac Waterfront Community Park, National Harbor, the Potomac Heritage Trail, and Bolling Air Force Base. In Virginia, it feeds into the Washington Street deck, which, in turn, connects to Mount Vernon, Alexandria-Arlington-DC, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, and the trail to U.S. Route 1.
The 12-foot wide, 1.1-mile long multi-use bridge trail includes three "bump-out" areas where users can take a break and enjoy informational displays detailing the area's history as well as use telescopes to view the striking vistas. A five-foot tall barrier separates the trail from vehicular traffic on the Capital Beltway. Minor additional construction on Maryland's deckover and the path to National Harbor will continue through September but will not impede cyclist or pedestrian use of the facility. The opening of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail allows bikers and pedestrians to travel over the Potomac River between Alexandria, VA and Oxon Hill, MD. See a map with trails that connect to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge at www.wilsonbridge.com.
The inaugural two-wheeled trip across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge on Saturday, June 6, was led by Alexandria Mayor William Euille, Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson, and other federal, state and local officials as well as cyclists from around the region. In lieu of a traditional ribbon cutting, the group of "First Riders" officially dedicated the trail by breaking through a "finish-line tape" stretched across the trail's entrance to Maryland.
A brief ceremony followed on the just-completed Maryland deckover, which links the bridge trail to National Harbor and other parts of Prince George's County. The ceremony was keynoted by remarks from leaders of the Virginia, Maryland, and District Departments of Transportation; the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; U.S. Representatives Jim Moran and Donna Edwards; Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary John Porcari and Eric Gilliland of the Washington Area Bicycle Association.
In addition to the bridge trail, a new bike-pedestrian connection from U.S. Route 1 to the Washington Street deck in Virginia also opened last weekend. Another trail is scheduled to open in Summer 2010, which will connect the east side of Telegraph Road at Huntington Avenue with Eisenhower Avenue and the Holmes Run Trail.
Rules Specific to the New Bridge Trail--The trail is subject to laws/rules applying to other M-NCPPC facilities. Rules specific to the new trail include:
--Hours of operation: 5:30 a.m. to midnight.
--Speed limit is 10 miles per hour.
--The trail is a multi-use facility for cyclists, runners and walkers. Users must be considerate of others traveling at different speeds. Slower traffic should stay to the right. Cyclists must alert other trail users before passing.
--Trail users who stop must move to the side of the path to avoid impeding other trail traffic.
--A dashed yellow line separates directional traffic.
--The bridge drawspan may open periodically. Cyclists and pedestrians need to be pay attention to the lights, bells, and signs near the bridge drawspan. The drawspan will not open until all traffic is a safe distance away.
--In an emergency, users should call 9-1-1. The closest and most appropriate responder from Maryland or Virginia will be dispatched. The Park Police Emergency Telephone Number is (301) 459-3232.
--The bridge trail and Maryland deckover are in close proximity to moving traffic. It is illegal to throw debris or obstruct traffic in any way.
--Pets are allowed but must be on leashes and have proper licensing.
--Bicycle helmet laws will be enforced.
--Parking is available in designated areas only. No parking after dark.
The Wilson Bridge Project is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Maryland State Highway Administration and the District Department of Transportation.
Quotes from Opening Day, June 6, 2009:
Samuel J. Parker, Jr., Chairman, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (which will oversee and manage the new park): "The dedication of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail and Potomac River Waterfront Community Park on National Trails Day is a great example how trails and parks can unite neighboring communities and open doors to natural history."
Beverley K. Swaim-Staley, Acting Maryland Secretary of Transportation: "Governor Martin O'Malley's Smart Green and Growing initiative is developing a Strategic Trails Plan to link more than 800 miles of Maryland trails and to create connections to trails in our bordering states. Thanks to a great regional partnership, the Wilson Bridge Bike Path now provides a crucial link connecting Maryland to Virginia and the District of Columbia, and offers a healthy alternative transportation choice to get residents to recreation and jobs across the Potomac."
Pierce Homer, Virginia Secretary of Transportation: "The new trail on the Wilson Bridge will bring Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia closer together, today and in the years to come. It will add to Virginia's premier trails network, including the Virginia Capital Trail connecting Richmond and Williamsburg, the National Park Service Mount Vernon Trail connecting Mount Vernon to the Washington Monument, as well as scenic rural trails such as the Creeper Trail and the brand new High Bridge Trail. These are significant investments that enrich our lives and help grow our tourism economy."Â Â
Gabe Klein, District of Columbia Director of Transportation: "Opening the new bridge trail is a huge victory for Washington area cyclists, runners and walkers because it connects us to so many other trails and destinations. In much the same way, we are making connections throughout the District, including the Metropolitan Branch Trail, the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, and improvements over bridges such as the Frederick Douglass and the 11th Street [bridges] that will bring together District and regional neighborhoods."
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