The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge sits across the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. Named after the prominent American abolitionist, the bridge was built in 1950 and today, makes crossing the river possible for 77,000 daily commuters.
Over the decades, the bridge has deteriorated faster than maintenance can keep up with, as is quite common among America's aging infrastructure. Despite a $27 million renovation in 2007, large corrosion holes in the structural beams necessitated its complete replacement and in 2012, city officials announced plans to replace and realign the bridge.
After initial bridge designs were rejected by the National Capitol Planning Commission and the United States Commission of Fine Arts for being "uninspired," DDOT has now revealed a much bolder look for the suspension bridge.
Consisting of three sets of parallel white arches, the 1,600 foot long crossing will have six traffic lanes and a joint bicycle-pedestrian path. There will be an esplanade run under the bridge and along the river at both ends as well as green areas that will provide space for community activities.
Projected to open in 2021, the bridge is designed to increase safety, add multi-modal transportation options and most importantly, increase access to the river. City officials are touting the new design as a major step towards transforming the river into a world-class waterfront and there is hope that the new infrastructure will help spur economic development on both sides.
2 Comments
This is one of the most subtle development campaigns I've even seen.
"It is fitting that this forward looking bridge honors Frederick Douglass, a man who worked his entire life to create a better future." All while high density development that will displace the residents of Anacostia is seen in the background- eliminating the the better future Frederick Douglass was working for.
but the third clip... (after Lincoln memorial)...
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