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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:
With the opening of the National Harbor complex on the Maryland shoreline, private and commercial vessels are utilizing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Construction Zone to access National Harbor from the Federal Channel. All boaters are reminded that the official access to National Harbor is from the south, near Rosier Bluff and Buoy “Red 90.” Boaters that access from the WWB construction zone are reminded of the inherent dangers of transiting the construction zone and shallow waters of the area. Boaters are also reminded that transiting the work area is at the discretion of the vessels operator and that this area is a NO WAKE zone. Any apparent navigation aids outside of the Federal and Auxiliary Channels yet within the construction zone are for construction use only and DO NOT necessarily demarcate a channel of any sort. Boaters are urged not to rely on them when transiting the area.
Also, the debris removal operation from the remains of the pre-existing Wilson Bridge resumed on July 1 and will likely continue through the rest of 2008. There are multiple markers and buoys north of the new bridge. These are for construction use (most mark the limits of shallow debris slated for removal) and DO NOT delineate a navigable channel of any sort. Boaters are urged to NOT transit the area north of the new bridge as the area is very shallow and concrete and steel debris remains across the entire center shallows of the Potomac (between the Auxiliary channel and the shallow unmarked north-south channel just off the Maryland shoreline). By the end of the year, the bridge debris will be removed but the area will remain shallow. Pre-existing remains of wooden-hulled vessels near the center of the river will also remain in this area, as the Project was prohibited from disturbing the structures.
General Information:
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(at the fender rings) 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.
Though concluding, the work on the new bridges and the fender ring system will continue through the end of 2008. 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 fully 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 the end of 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 July through the end of 2008 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 202-438-7499.
Detailed Weekly Schedule (as available) and Contract Information:
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 Project-designated auxiliary channel remains in place to the east of the Federal channel under a fixed-span portion of the bridge (80 foot vertical clearance at MHW, 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 the red 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 north-south “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 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 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.
