Media Contact: Karyn Le Blanc at (202) 671-3490
(Washington, DC) The newly renovated Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge was rededicated in a ceremony that highlighted the many ways it will serve as a connector—for the community, commuters, pedestrians, bicyclists and others. Completed on schedule and prior to the first Washington Nationals game, the improvements to the bridge and South Capitol Street complete the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) first phase of transforming the South Capitol Street Corridor into a grand urban boulevard that improves mobility and access, while providing a fitting gateway into the nation’s capital. This milestone is a major step forward in establishing the South Capitol Gateway vision that was set forth in the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative.
The centerpiece of the rededication was the unveiling of a commemorative sign that pays tribute to the bridge’s namesake, abolitionist Frederick Douglass, whose Cedar Hill home in Anacostia lies a quarter-mile from the foot of the bridge. Mounted on the Douglass Bridge, the sign will serve as a visible reminder of Frederick Douglass’ commitment to uniting people. The enhanced Douglass Bridge carries out this vision of uniting people by connecting neighborhoods with new pedestrian-friendly intersections and sidewalks, providing easy access to parks and recreational areas, and improving the mobility of commuters and pedestrians.
Participating in the sign unveiling was District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, DC Council Members Kwame Brown (At-Large) and Tommy Wells (Ward 6) and DDOT Director Emeka Moneme. In attendance at the ceremony were representatives from the Frederick Douglass National Historic Society, as well as community leaders from nearby neighborhoods.
“Today’s rededication of the Frederick Douglass Bridge sets the tone for a bright future for the South Capitol Street Corridor and the Anacostia Waterfront, while paying homage to a tireless leader who dedicated his life to creating a brighter future,” commented Mayor Fenty. “The new landmark is an integral part of our city’s efforts to connect nearby communities by providing easy access and mobility.”
Added Mayor Fenty, "Today’s accomplishment is due to the efforts of many dedicated and talented individuals, but no factor was more important than the cooperation of neighboring residents, who graciously accommodated the nearby construction, and commuters, who showed enormous patience and resourcefulness during last summer’s unprecedented two-month bridge closure.”
The rededication event marked the official completion of the Douglass Bridge “extreme makeover” and improvements to the nearby South Capitol Street. Major construction was completed during July and August 2007, at which time the Douglass Bridge was completely closed to traffic and pedestrians. By having uninterrupted access to the bridge, working seven days a week and pulling several 20-hour work days, crews were able to complete the necessary work and reopen the bridge just ahead of the allotted two-month period—dramatically shortening and reducing overall impacts on residents and commuters.
During the closure itself, major efforts were employed to minimize impacts, including scheduling the closure during summer-vacation months when traffic volumes are significantly lower, implementing a unique commuter incentive program called "Bridge Bucks" to encourage the use of ridesharing commuter alternatives, paving an additional travel lane on part of a northbound detour route, deploying strategically placed signage, and coordinating extensively with area traffic operation centers and emergency response agencies.
The centerpiece of the summer work was lowering a 200-foot segment of the bridge's elevated northern approach in late July 2007. The precise lowering process allowed the reconstruction of the northernmost portion of the bridge into an at-grade roadway with a new intersection at South Capitol Street and Potomac Avenue. This new intersection is improving access and mobility in and around the Anacostia Waterfront.
In tandem with the major bridge renovation, and following the reopening of the bridge (which occurred a full week ahead-of-schedule), additional enhancements to the bridge and along the South Capitol Street Corridor were completed in fall 2007/winter 2008—all working toward the overarching goal of shortening construction time in order to better facilitate the rapid development occurring in Anacostia Waterfront area.
These additional enhancements include new streetscape improvements, such as energy-efficient lighting that highlights the architectural design of the bridge and provides added safety measures to passing ships and overhead aircraft. Multiple pedestrian upgrades were implemented to improve safety including new railings, handicap ramps and sidewalks. New and improved utility drainage structures also were installed and street resurfacing was completed.
Throughout the closure, crews also completed critical work such as bridge deck repairs and testing, utility work and new pavement. Before the July 6th closure, preparatory work was completed including the replacement of approximately 19 bridge expansion joints, under-the-bridge steel repair work and painting.
DDOT embarked on the renovation to extend the Douglass Bridge's lifespan and viability as a major entrance into Washington, DC. An estimated 77,000 vehicles use the Douglass Bridge every day. The lowered bridge not only has improved access for vehicles heading to and from DC and the commercial development in the area, but also ensures that the Douglass Bridge remains a safe and viable facility until it is ultimately replaced.