FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL BRIDGE
Key Crossing to Be Closed for Structural Repairs
TOOLBOX   Resize
 Save/Share +
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
|
The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge on South Capitol Street will be closed beginning at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow for extensive reconstruction work. The major commuter artery could be closed for two months.
The decaying bridge needs a structural overhaul. The $27 million project will eliminate a 200-foot section of the bridge on the District side and lower the rest by about 10 feet so the bridge touches down at Potomac Avenue SW. The long-planned project also will turn South Capitol Street into a tree-lined boulevard.
The project was scheduled for the summer to take advantage of the seasonal drop in commuter traffic. The District is offering the contractor significant incentives to finish ahead of schedule.
Officials from the D.C. Department of Transportation are urging commuters to take transit or expect additional delays of up to 30 minutes as traffic is rerouted to the 11th Street Bridge and other crossings.
-- Eric M. Weiss
