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Officials Project Traffic Delays As New York Avenue Shrinks

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington drivers can expect major traffic tie-ups next month as one of the city's key roads shrinks in size.

District transportation officials warned Wednesday that New York Avenue will drop from six lanes to four starting April 25 between Penn Street NE and Florida Avenue NE. The change is to allow for rehabilitation work on the aging New York Avenue Bridge.

Drivers passing through the area can expect delays of up to 30 minutes. Work is expected to last about two years.

The transportation department says it's offering incentives for New York Avenue commuters to use bus, Metro or carpool, and will provide real-time traffic updates on message boards. Officials have also identified alternate routes.

The New York Avenue Bridge NE is used by more than 87,000 vehicles daily.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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