Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004 and Karyn LeBlanc (202) 671-3490
(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is pleased to inform residents and motorists the major construction on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge is progressing on schedule. The project consists, in general, of two types of rehabilitation being done simultaneously: the repair of existing structures: and the creation of new building/designs for the bridge. The work, when brought to fruition, will result in the lowering of the bridge to create an at-grade roadway with a new intersection at South Capitol Street and Potomac Avenue. The bridge’s lifespan and viability as a major entrance into the District will also be significantly improved.
As of today, crews remain on schedule and completed the following tasks in addition to other key work:
- Removal of the concrete deck
- Installation of bridge lowering equipment
- Complete demolition of the steel structure as well as the ramp and abutment on South Capitol Street
Work scheduled for the upcoming week includes:
- Forming of new light poles
- Continuing the bridge deck repairs and the completion of the deck testing
- Utility work on South Capitol Street
- Setting of jacking towers
- The lowering of the bridge on Thursday, July 19th
DDOT encourages travelers to use Metro and other forms of public transportation. Traffic reports throughout the week continue to indicate, as anticipated, slow movement up and down the I-295 corridor. Motorists are reminded to plan for additional commuting time on their way into and out of the District.
DDOT also reminds motorists the following detour routes remain viable:
- Northbound drivers can follow signed detours to I-295/11th Street Bridge providing direct access into the District.
- DDOT has paved an extra lane on the stretch between Suitland Parkway and the 11th Street Bridge to help facilitate traffic flow.
- Alternatives to the 11th Street Bridge include New York Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, Benning Road and East Capitol Street (REMINDER: Constitution Avenue is now two-way all the time).
The $27M Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge Project is scheduled for completion in early September 2007. The bridge will remain closed during construction.