Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge

The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge spans the Potomac River and serves as a critical interstate crossing in the Washington, DC region. Originally completed in 1962, the bridge experienced deterioration from heavy traffic, deicing salts, and environmental exposure. By the late 1970s, the original normal weight concrete deck required replacement and widening without increasing dead load on the existing structure.

The redecking system incorporated 1,026 precast, post-tensioned panels and parapet walls produced with Stalite Lightweight Aggregate concrete. This approach allowed the bridge to be widened while maintaining traffic volumes of approximately 110,000 vehicles per day during construction.

Each panel measured roughly 46 feet wide, 10 to 12 feet long, and 8 inches thick. Panels were post-tensioned transversely at the plant and longitudinally in segments up to 285 feet in length to eliminate transverse joints and enhance long-term durability.

Concrete made with Stalite Lightweight Aggregate was selected for its low absorption, high strength potential, and resistance to freeze-thaw and salt exposure. The lightweight system reduced structural demands while delivering the durability required for one of the region’s most heavily traveled bridges.