Key Bridge Shut Down Between Arlington, DC Amid Security Investigation

ARLINGTON, VA — Authorities closed the Francis Scott Key Bridge connecting Arlington and Washington, D.C., in both directions Friday morning as they investigated a suspicious package near the Georgetown end of the bridge.

The Metropolitan Police Department responded around 8:42 a.m. to assist the U.S. Secret Service with an investigation in the 3300 block of M Street NW, according to WJLA and WUSA9. The department's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was also called to the scene.

The investigation prompted the closure of the Key Bridge, a major Potomac River crossing connecting Rosslyn in Arlington with Georgetown in Northwest Washington.

D.C. police also reported the following street closures until further notice:

• M Street NW: 3300 block.
• Wisconsin Avenue NW: Between M and O streets.

Police warned that closures could change and urged drivers to avoid the area.

Authorities had not released additional details about the suspicious package or indicated when the bridge and surrounding streets might reopen.

The closure was expected to delay drivers traveling between Northern Virginia and Washington.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge carries traffic across the Potomac River between Arlington and Georgetown, providing a major connection for commuters traveling between the two jurisdictions.

The investigation remained ongoing as of Friday morning's initial reports.