The Wilson Bridge Project has another surprise for drivers already accustomed to traffic problems.

Northbound Route 1, just north of the Beltway, was reduced from two lanes to one during the morning commute Tuesday to accommodate crews working on a sound wall designed to reduce highway noise for area residents.

That closure caused a tremendous amount of congestion during the morning commute, so officials made some critical changes to ease the journey for evening commuters.

"It's just a little dangerous in the merge with Route 1, coming up off the Beltway," said driver Chris Huffine.

"I work 15 minutes away from my home and it takes me an hour to get there, and two hours to get home," said driver Maria Robinson.

Project officials, realizing this plan wouldn't work, moved the lane closure farther up the road where three lanes merge to two, hoping to ease driver woes.

Most people we spoke with who routinely ride this construction corridor say the project is coming along.

"I think actually the project they have done a really good job on it. It's a lot nicer of a bridge. A lot nicer than it was before," said driver Ryan Kuhn.

The lane closure will be in effect 24 hours a day for the remainder of the work week.

The Wilson Bridge Project, a major expansion of the Potomac River crossing for Interstate 95 and coinciding improvements to the Capital Beltway and nearby interchanges, is expected to wrap up in 2013.

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