The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge is the only Potomac River crossing in the southern half of the Washington Metropolitan area. It carries the Capital Beltway (I-495), which is part of I-95, the main north-south interstate route on the East Coast.

Approximately 6,000 feet long, the new bridge will be designed for HS25 loads consisting of six lanes for local traffic, four lanes for express traffic, and two HOV lanes. Provisions are made for future replacement of the HOV lanes with light or commuter rail.

An arch-like appearance is achieved by introducing v-shaped piers with curved legs, which support haunched girders.

This structural system consists of independent structural units (v-piers), and produces zero horizontal thrust forces under dead and live loads.

Proper arrangement of the girder spans balances the dead loads and produces minimal bending moments at the piers. This system results in significant savings in the foundations, especially at the bascule piers.

The v-pier system allows longer spans than the traditional arch system providing greater openness underneath the bridge. The v-pier legs consist of precast, match-cast hollow concrete box sections that will be post-tensioned in place.