Drivers who use the 14th Street Bridge are in for some traffic headaches.
A new phase of construction is getting under way on the northbound span, and the resulting traffic pattern is expected to cause congestion and frustration.
Starting Friday at 10 p.m., two lanes of traffic on the bridge will be closed so workers can set up a construction zone in the center of the bridge. The zone will be surrounded by concrete barriers -- creating an island of sorts in the middle of the span.
Beginning Monday, the lanes of traffic will split and be directed around both sides of the construction island.
The new traffic pattern will mean shorter merging distances for drivers as well as increased congestion.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes until the work is completed.
The 14th Street Bridge is the most heavily traveled route in and out of the District. Roughly 200,000 people use the 59-year-old bridge every day.
