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Arlington Memorial Bridge Lanes Close Friday For Repairs

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Officials say two lanes of the iconic Arlington Memorial Bridge will be shut down before Friday's rush hour commute for lengthy repairs.

Federal officials said Thursday the 1930s-era bridge, which leads from the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial, will be partially shut down for six to nine months due to corrosion. The closure affects two curbside lanes and the sidewalk. Officials also say a 10-ton load limit across the entire length of the bridge will eliminate most bus traffic.

Federal highway officials have found the bridge's secondary load-bearing beams are corroding faster than expected and don't meet highway standards. The bridge's concrete deck is also deteriorating.

The repairs are expected to make traffic in the area even more congested.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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