Dana Hull’s recent article “Water Under the Bridge” (2/26), while generally informative, should have focused more on the implications to the District and to the region if the Wilson Bridge is not replaced in a timely manner. If citizens’ lawsuits, lack of agreement on funding, or new obstacles prevent starting the new bridge by October 2000, then the first new six-lane section will not be built by 2004.

The first six-lane span is needed by 2004, however, because the 14,000 heavy trucks that currently rumble across the existing bridge damage it every day and will very likely be prohibited by this date. Witness the recent announcement that the decking on the drawspan will have to be replaced next spring.

If you like congestion on the 14th Street Bridge, the American Legion Bridge, and through Old Town Alexandria now, you’re gonna love it in 2004 if trucks have to find alternative routes. Talk about trouble in River City.

Let’s make sure the new Wilson Bridge project remains on schedule so that we can avoid this outcome.

Director, Transportation and

Environment Committee

Greater Washington Board of Trade