(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony A. Williams this evening turned on the eight historic lights (two at each corner) on the Connecticut Avenue Bridge over Klingle Valley.

"This spectacular bridge connects Woodley Park and Cleveland Park, two vibrant and historic pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented communities and these lights are part of their unique character," said Mayor Williams.

Director of Transportation Dan Tangherlini pointed out that: "Relighting these historic lights shows our commitment to historic preservation which will continue when we rehabilitate this bridge starting in the summer of 2005." Tangherlini added that DDOT employees did the work for under $10,000.

The major rehabilitation, staring in the spring of 2005, will restore the ornamental lanterns, trolley poles and other architectural features, add street lights to the trolley poles and refurbish the masonry at the lantern pedestals and stone benches. DDOT is also applying to designate the bridge a DC landmark and to put it on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Community representatives included Tersh Boasberg, head of the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board, Laurence J. Aurbach, President of the Woodland Normanstone Neighborhood Association and Sally MacDonald, ANC Commissioner.