Memorial Bridge

On May 6, 1932, Arlington Memorial Bridge opened to traffic.

On May 6, 1932, Arlington Memorial Bridge opened to traffic. The bridge was symbolically designed to show strength of a united nation by joining the Lincoln Memorial on the north side of the bridge with Arlington House, which had just recently been renamed to include the addition of the Robert E. Lee Memorial by Virginian Civil War southern lost cause advocates. Memorial Bridge and Avenue also connect the nation's capital to Arlington National Cemetery, where thousands who died fighting to preserve democratic government have been laid to rest.

Construction of the bridge began in 1926 and it was dedicated on January 16, 1932. However, the bridge was not fully opened to traffic until May 6, 1932 (see image). The firm of McKim, Mead, and White served as the bridge's architects.

Arlington Memorial Bridge and Avenue provide a ceremonial entrance to Washington, DC from Virginia. Architectural elements like granite facing; formal, neoclassical design; sculptures of eagles and vases; and bas relief bison, poppies, and oak leaves invoke national strength and unity. Designed to be an "Avenue of Heroes," it is lined with monuments and memorials to such diverse figures as Admiral Byrd, the Seabees, Valor, and Sacrifice. In total, seven memorials have been installed along Memorial Avenue: the first in 1961 and the last in 2001.

From 2018 to 2020, the National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration completely rehabilitated the bridge. As one of the largest transportation projects in National Park Service history, the rehabilitation of Arlington Memorial Bridge gave new life to our capital’s ceremonial entrance while respecting its character, history, and national significance. The bridge reopened in December 2020.

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