New US bridge link for Capital Beltway

A plan is now in hand to replace the American Legion Bridge in the US, which spans the Potomac River. The current bridge suffers from heavy congestion at peak periods, with tailbacks stretching for some distance in either direction. The bridge connects the states of Virginia and Maryland and carries I-495, part of the Capital Beltway. Construction costs are likely to run into billions. The new structure will feature a further two express tolled lanes in either direction so as to help boost capacity and cut congestion. The project will be handled under the PPP model and construction should commence in 2022. At present around 250,000 vehicles/day use the crossing, which first opened to traffic in 1962 and was originally called the Cabin John Bridge.