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American Legion Bridge at Cabin John
Potomac River Highway Bridge
Two separate structures carry the Beltway, Interstate 495, between Maryland and Virginia. The twin crossing occurs at a shallow part of the Potomac between two sets of rapids in the river. The continuous girder structures were built in 1962, with a length of 1442 feet and a width of 52 feet. Frequent congestion and deterioration of the spans created a need for renovation and expansion in the late 1980s. The renovation joined the two structures and added lanes to the already-crowded Beltway crossing. The result was improved traffic flow on the bridge, but the frequent congestion of the Beltway continues to be a problem. The nearest Potomac bridge upstream is where U.S. 15 crosses the river at Point of Rocks, more than 30 miles upstream.
The American Legion Bridge crosses directly over a lock of the C&O Canal, and within 200 feet of Plummer's Island, home of the Wasington Biologists Field Club since 1901. It one of the most studied and rustic islands on the Potomac.
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Contact Information
Maryland State Highway Administration
9300 Kenilworth Ave.
Greenbelt MD 20770
301-513-7300
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