Any advise heading up to D.C. and crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge under construction. Is this a draw bridge or is there an opening to go thru? Can't tell from the chart.
Woodrow Wison Memorial bridge
- Thread starter Broke sailor SV Marcell
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Not sure if you want to do that
http://www.wilsonbridge.com/cms/cms-openings.htm Jorge, not sure of your mast height or what is hanging under the bridge. Know that the reported height has been reduced due to construction hanging under the bridge. They don't like to open it, and the traffic will start throwing things at you as you go under. - just kidding.
Don't know why you would want to go there. It is shallow and restricted. You can expect to be boarded by security if you keep going up to the basin around Haynes Point. Jim S/V Java
http://www.wilsonbridge.com/cms/cms-openings.htm Jorge, not sure of your mast height or what is hanging under the bridge. Know that the reported height has been reduced due to construction hanging under the bridge. They don't like to open it, and the traffic will start throwing things at you as you go under. - just kidding.
Don't know why you would want to go there. It is shallow and restricted. You can expect to be boarded by security if you keep going up to the basin around Haynes Point. Jim S/V Java
Check carefully...
Restricted draw above 55' heighth I think. If you're over that, you have a world of requirements (nightime only opening with advance notice.) But the regs are all different now with the construction of the new bridge. If you are less than that still check as they have all kinds of restrictions now. You might also check with the USCG or one of the marinas in DC to see if there are other restrictions (i.e., notifying USCG, etc.)
Restricted draw above 55' heighth I think. If you're over that, you have a world of requirements (nightime only opening with advance notice.) But the regs are all different now with the construction of the new bridge. If you are less than that still check as they have all kinds of restrictions now. You might also check with the USCG or one of the marinas in DC to see if there are other restrictions (i.e., notifying USCG, etc.)
Old and ne bridges
Straight from the mouth of Costal pilot: MD/VA/DC - POTOMAC RIVER - WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE - BRIDGE INFORMATION Mariners are advised that construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Memorial Drawbridge across the Potomac River, mile 90.7, between the City of Alexandria, Virginia and Oxon Hill, Maryland is ongoing until 2009. Excessive speed and wake by boaters may cause serious or fatal incidents to the Bridge project. It is crucial that mariners obey the speed restrictions and eliminate wakes through the work zone, due to the sensitive and precise nature of the work and for worker safety. A temporary floating/sliding bridge will be in place in the waterway during drawbridge construction until further notice. There will be intermittent channel restrictions as a result of the floating bridge, as well as the need to further restrict use of Federal channel on an intermittent basis for crane barge positioning. During such times, vessels will be able to use the existing temporary auxiliary channel (east of the Federal channel under a fixed span portion of the bridges), made available to vessel traffic with a vertical clearance of 45 feet or less (with a horizontal clearance of 130 feet and a depth of 22 feet at Mean Low Water). Mariners transiting this part of the waterway may do so, but at their own discretion. Clearances and opening procedures for the existing Woodrow Wilson Bridge remain unchanged. Mariners are urged to listen to Broadcast Notices to Mariners for updates and to use extreme caution when transiting this area for work barges, exposed piles, and anchor buoys. In late 2006/early 2007, for approximately 5-6 months, a vertical clearance restriction of 70 feet or less is anticipated during the construction of the inner loop (I-95/495) bascule bridge. For further information and updates to construction operations, contact Mr. Mike Baker, Environmental Construction Manager for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project at 202-438-7499 or 301-567- 0094 (Ext 242), or visit the Project's website online at www.wilsonbridge.com. Charts: 12285 & 12289. Depending on when you are going this may be of interest too: Mariners are advised that a fireworks display will be held in the Upper Potomac River, at Alexandria, VA on Saturday, June 17, 2006, at 10:40 p.m. A temporary safety zone will be established on all waters of the Upper Potomac River within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38° 48' 37'' N, 077° 02' 02'' W (Datum NAD 1983), located near the waterfront of Alexandria, VA. This safety zone will be enforced from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and is necessary to control vessel traffic for safety of life and property on navigable waters during the event. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on a portion of the Upper Potomac River. The fireworks barge will have a sign on its port and starboard sides labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zone will be enforced. This notice will consist of a diamond shaped sign 4 foot by 4 foot with a 3-inch orange retro reflective border. The word "DANGER'' in 10 inch black block letters centered on the sign with the words "FIREWORKS'' and "STAY AWAY'' in 6 inch black block letters above and below the word "DANGER'' respectively on a white background. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or the designated on-scene-patrol personnel, and upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zone.
Straight from the mouth of Costal pilot: MD/VA/DC - POTOMAC RIVER - WOODROW WILSON BRIDGE - BRIDGE INFORMATION Mariners are advised that construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Memorial Drawbridge across the Potomac River, mile 90.7, between the City of Alexandria, Virginia and Oxon Hill, Maryland is ongoing until 2009. Excessive speed and wake by boaters may cause serious or fatal incidents to the Bridge project. It is crucial that mariners obey the speed restrictions and eliminate wakes through the work zone, due to the sensitive and precise nature of the work and for worker safety. A temporary floating/sliding bridge will be in place in the waterway during drawbridge construction until further notice. There will be intermittent channel restrictions as a result of the floating bridge, as well as the need to further restrict use of Federal channel on an intermittent basis for crane barge positioning. During such times, vessels will be able to use the existing temporary auxiliary channel (east of the Federal channel under a fixed span portion of the bridges), made available to vessel traffic with a vertical clearance of 45 feet or less (with a horizontal clearance of 130 feet and a depth of 22 feet at Mean Low Water). Mariners transiting this part of the waterway may do so, but at their own discretion. Clearances and opening procedures for the existing Woodrow Wilson Bridge remain unchanged. Mariners are urged to listen to Broadcast Notices to Mariners for updates and to use extreme caution when transiting this area for work barges, exposed piles, and anchor buoys. In late 2006/early 2007, for approximately 5-6 months, a vertical clearance restriction of 70 feet or less is anticipated during the construction of the inner loop (I-95/495) bascule bridge. For further information and updates to construction operations, contact Mr. Mike Baker, Environmental Construction Manager for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project at 202-438-7499 or 301-567- 0094 (Ext 242), or visit the Project's website online at www.wilsonbridge.com. Charts: 12285 & 12289. Depending on when you are going this may be of interest too: Mariners are advised that a fireworks display will be held in the Upper Potomac River, at Alexandria, VA on Saturday, June 17, 2006, at 10:40 p.m. A temporary safety zone will be established on all waters of the Upper Potomac River within a 300-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position 38° 48' 37'' N, 077° 02' 02'' W (Datum NAD 1983), located near the waterfront of Alexandria, VA. This safety zone will be enforced from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and is necessary to control vessel traffic for safety of life and property on navigable waters during the event. The effect will be to restrict vessel traffic on a portion of the Upper Potomac River. The fireworks barge will have a sign on its port and starboard sides labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zone will be enforced. This notice will consist of a diamond shaped sign 4 foot by 4 foot with a 3-inch orange retro reflective border. The word "DANGER'' in 10 inch black block letters centered on the sign with the words "FIREWORKS'' and "STAY AWAY'' in 6 inch black block letters above and below the word "DANGER'' respectively on a white background. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zone during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port or the designated on-scene-patrol personnel, and upon being hailed by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of a vessel shall proceed as directed. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zone.
Finally
A subject on this board over which I can claim totally mastery I sale under the bridge once a week. Both old and new bridges are of the drawbridge variety. The channel passage under the bridge opening is often closed to traffic due to construction of the new bridge. However, there is a well marked alternative passage under the bridge that will provide over 40 feet of clearance, at high tide. The bridge is passable 24/7, except for brief (minutes) periods when a barge may be crossing perpendicular to the channel. The upper Potmac river is not terribly wide, but it does facilitate commercial shipping and is absolutely no problem in a sailboat. There are lots of us, really. With regards to being "boarded by security," my marina is 200 yards from Haines Point and this has never happened to me, except when aboard me buddy's power boat. Even then, it is quick, courteous and no big deal unless you are a bootlegger or worse. As a matter of fact, the only place I have ever been stopped by Coasties was at the "301" bridge. Thankfully, my yapping dog scared them off. C'mon up and enjoy the Capitol City - nothing to fear but fear itself.
A subject on this board over which I can claim totally mastery
I sale under the bridge once a week. Both old and new bridges are of the drawbridge variety. The channel passage under the bridge opening is often closed to traffic due to construction of the new bridge. However, there is a well marked alternative passage under the bridge that will provide over 40 feet of clearance, at high tide. The bridge is passable 24/7, except for brief (minutes) periods when a barge may be crossing perpendicular to the channel. The upper Potmac river is not terribly wide, but it does facilitate commercial shipping and is absolutely no problem in a sailboat. There are lots of us, really. With regards to being "boarded by security," my marina is 200 yards from Haines Point and this has never happened to me, except when aboard me buddy's power boat. Even then, it is quick, courteous and no big deal unless you are a bootlegger or worse. As a matter of fact, the only place I have ever been stopped by Coasties was at the "301" bridge. Thankfully, my yapping dog scared them off. C'mon up and enjoy the Capitol City - nothing to fear but fear itself.
Funny Story
I use to race on a boat that was part of the Potomac Yacht Racing Fleet. We had a race in that area and we were transporting the boat there. The captain of the boat use to fly a rebel flag off of the backstay. We were flying that flag and we went under the bridge. We had already discussed that it was a stupid idea to fly that flag in this area. Just after we passed by the bridge we heard a loud boom. The entire crew dove for cover on the boat. Turned out to be a car backfiring, but we finally got the captain to take the flag down!
I use to race on a boat that was part of the Potomac Yacht Racing Fleet. We had a race in that area and we were transporting the boat there. The captain of the boat use to fly a rebel flag off of the backstay. We were flying that flag and we went under the bridge. We had already discussed that it was a stupid idea to fly that flag in this area. Just after we passed by the bridge we heard a loud boom. The entire crew dove for cover on the boat. Turned out to be a car backfiring, but we finally got the captain to take the flag down!
DC waters
Be aware that the water above the bridge is in DC jurisdiction and not Maryland like the rest of the river. It is patrolled by DC water police and the CG. I understand that DC requires all vessel operators to have taken the boating safety course, unlike Maryland where it is only required of those born after 1973. If you go up the Anacostia, stay the required distance from the Navy Yard and vessels docked there. Watch for several commercial sightseeing and dinner boats that frequent the channels, and don't feed the tourists on Haines Point.
Be aware that the water above the bridge is in DC jurisdiction and not Maryland like the rest of the river. It is patrolled by DC water police and the CG. I understand that DC requires all vessel operators to have taken the boating safety course, unlike Maryland where it is only required of those born after 1973. If you go up the Anacostia, stay the required distance from the Navy Yard and vessels docked there. Watch for several commercial sightseeing and dinner boats that frequent the channels, and don't feed the tourists on Haines Point.
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