Construction of Arlington Memorial Bridge

The Arlington Memorial Bridge is a masonry and steel arch bridge spanning the Potomac River with a central bascule span connecting both banks. Its construction involved extensive modifications to the riverbanks, including island enlargement and creation of new access routes.

The project began in 1925 after decades of planning and was completed in 1932 under President Herbert Hoover. The seven-year construction represented a major milestone in connecting two significant memorial sites.

The bridge links the Lincoln Memorial with Arlington National Cemetery through monumental statues representing valor and sacrifice. These sculptures shape how visitors experience the crossing and give the space a commemorative character.

The best way to experience the bridge is to walk across its full length to closely observe the sculptures and river views. It is easily accessible from both riverbanks and provides good vantage points for orienting yourself in the surrounding area.

The bascule span was a technical innovation of the 1920s that required complex mechanical systems built under difficult river conditions. This innovative solution allowed unobstructed river traffic, though it was rarely activated after completion.

GPS coordinates: 38.88720,-77.05560

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43