Mayor Bowser Asks President and Congress to Fix Memorial Bridge

In her annual "State of the District" address, held Thursday at the University of the District of Columbia, Mayor Muriel Bowser publicly called upon President Donald Trump and Congress to fix "their bridge" -- namely, Memorial Bridge, which connects Arlington to D.C.

Bowser didn't shy away from spelling out how desperately she says the bridge needs repairs.

"The Memorial Bridge, without immediate help, could literally fall into the Potomac," WTOP quoted.

D.C. officials have for years been lobbying the federal government to repair the bridge, City Administrator Rashad Young told WTOP, calling it a major regional connector that is not only used by thousands of residents every day, but also tourists who use it to travel between two major attractions -- Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.

"It is in real disrepair," Young said. "If you go to the bridge today, there's a sign that says 'Please Don't Salt the Bridge.'"

Recently, Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine called upon Congress to complete the repairs as well.

The National Park Service (NPS) estimates that needed repairs to the bridge could cost $250 million. So far, NPS has secured $90 million in funding. If the rest cannot be raised, and repairs aren't completed, experts estimate the bridge will have to close to all traffic by 2030.

Bowser pointed out that the new administration has named infrastructure improvements as a priority, and said the Memorial Bridge is a "perfect example" of one that the federal government can complete, particilarly since it is also "their bridge."

See video of Bowser's full address on WTOP.

Photo: Memorial Bridge via National Park Service