Media Contact:  Karyn Le Blanc at (202) 671-3490

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is pleased to announce the completion of the testing of the swing span on the newly improved Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge (a.k.a. South Capital Street Bridge). Results from the testing that prompted the closure of the bridge over the past few weekends show the reconstruction and improvements to the swing span a success with the swing span in full operation. This final testing allows the previous in effect “emergency channel closure” to be lifted.

While the centerpiece of the bridge work was the lowering of a 200-foot segment of the bridge's elevated northern approach in late July 2007 the lighting on the bridge is of equal importance to note.

The newly installed energy-efficient lighting highlights the architectural design of the bridge and provides added safety measures to passing ships and overhead aircraft.

The lighting is the first architectural lighting on a DC Bridge and the success of the design can be witnessed in this recent photograph.

Image of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user M.V. Jantzen

The lights are part of the District’s sustainable approach to public infrastructure. The LED lights are low-wattage and limited spread, minimizing the contribution to light pollution.

The architectural lighting was one of the ways the city is bringing attention to the Anacostia Waterfront and creating a sense of civic pride around the waterfront area while focusing on the local appeal of our major river bridges. Combined with the bridge lowering, decorative street lighting, improved sidewalks and decorative railings, DDOT made the bridge more walkable and diminished the freeway characteristics of the corridor.

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.