West Glebe Road Bridge Reconstruction Project

• Completion DateAugust 31, 2023

Location

West Glebe Road Bridge at South Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206  View Map

Status

Complete

Reconstruction on the superstructure of the bridge began in May 2022 and was completed and fully reopened in the summer of 2023.

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(PDF, 70KB)Construction Progress

The surface of the bridge deck is completed, and all travel lanes are open for pedestrian, bike and vehicular access.

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About the Project

Background

A routine inspection in fall of 2018 of the West Glebe Road Bridge at South Four Mile Run Drive uncovered deterioration that required a vehicle weight restriction of 5-tons and closure of the sidewalks in both directions. The southbound lane across the bridge was converted for the exclusive use of people walking and biking. A similar inspection in fall of 2021 found further deterioration, prompting the County to again shift lanes and the temporary walking path. 

County staff developed designs for a bridge that replaces the deteriorated roadway substructure and reuses the existing piers, which are stable. This reduces impacts to the watershed, helps reduce project costs and contributes to a shorter construction timeline.

Project Goals

The goals of this project were to:

• Return the bridge to a safe operational condition for all users
• Improve access for people walking, biking and driving
• Advance the community vision of the Four Mile Run Master Plan

View a summary of guidance from the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan (2006) and the Four Mile Run Design Guidelines (2009)

Design-build contract

Arlington County and the City of Alexandria agreed on a design-build approach for this project, where a firm is hired to take the design from 30% to final and then build the West Glebe Road bridge. The design-build process included proposals with specific art elements that enhance the bridge aesthetically, provide additional lighting on the Four Mile Run trail, and connect the design of the bridge to the communities of Arlington and Alexandria.

In April 2021 the County Board approved a $9.89 million contract, including contingency, to Corman Kokosing Construction Company for design-build services to replace the West Glebe Road Bridge. 

People walking or biking continued to have access to the City of Alexandria through the duration of project construction.

Press Release

Public Art Component

Artist Vicki Scuri was retained by Corman Kokosing Construction Company to provide art elements that will enhance the bridge aesthetically, provide additional lighting on the Four Mile Run trail and connect the design of the bridge to the communities of Arlington and Alexandria.

Bridge Art Component

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Public Process

Throughout the planning process for this project, the County engaged with the community to share information and provide updates.

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Funding

Arlington County and the City of Alexandria shared design and reconstruction costs for the new bridge.

Photo Gallery