Vessels can navigate through the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge tonight.

The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, a significant landmark that spans the Potomac River and connects Virginia and Prince George's County, Md., will open at midnight tonight. This event is likely to cause traffic stoppages of 15 to 20 minutes, according to a traffic alert shared by the agency's Northern Virginia district.

The bridge carries Interstate 95 and the Interstate 495 Capital Beltway, making it a crucial artery for motorists traveling in the area. The original Woodrow Wilson Bridge, which was prone to daily traffic delays, frequently needed to open approximately 260 times a year. The newer design was intended to reduce these openings, but periodic vessel passages still disrupt traffic flow on the bascule bridge.

The bridge is located between Alexandria and Oxon Hill, Md., and motorists traveling on I-95 or the Capital Beltway should anticipate potential delays around midnight. The responsibility for opening the Wilson Monument Bridge lies with the local bridge or road authority in charge of its operation, typically a municipal or transport department; however, the exact authority responsible has not been specified.

The Virginia Department of Transportation announced the traffic alert on Wednesday, advising motorists to consider alternate routes during the bridge opening. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid any inconvenience caused by the traffic stoppages.

The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, a symbol of connection between two counties, has been a vital part of the transport infrastructure in the region. Despite the occasional disruptions, it continues to serve its purpose efficiently.