Wilson Bridge drawbridge to remain closed longer

The U.S. Coast Guard says the Wilson Bridge drawbridge will remain closed to large vessels for 15 consecutive hours on weekdays, beginning at 5 a.m.

The Wilson Bridge carries heavy Interstate 95 traffic, so bridge openings cause significant traffic delays.

Boats with mast heights of at least 75 feet used to be able to pass under the Potomac River bridge between Alexandria and Maryland during a four-hour window in the middle of the day, beginning at 10 a.m.

That window was temporarily closed last year, and the Coast Guard says it decided to make the daytime closure permanent beginning July 30 following a request by transportation officials.