Media Contact: Erik Linden, DDOT, 438-7719 or Karyn LeBlanc, DDOT, 497-4572

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) this weekend will continue its highly publicized repair and restoration of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge (also known as the South Capitol Street Bridge) and the adjoining South Capitol Street corridor.

DDOT last month announced the successful completion of the first phase restoration of the bridge, which necessitated a two month closure over the summer. DDOT also announced upcoming continuing repairs that may necessitate off peak lane closures.

The second phase of construction includes additional work on the swing span area of the bridge and streetscape improvements along South Capitol Street. Upgrades include new environmentally sensitive lighting, pedestrian access improvements such as handicap ramps, pedestrian traffic signals and new sidewalks.

To facilitate the work required in the swing span area of the bridge and to provide a safe work area it will be necessary to conduct temporary inbound and outbound closures over multiple weekends.

The outbound lanes of the bridge will be closed beginning on Friday, October 12 at 9 pm until as late as Monday, October 15 at 4 am.

Outbound bridge drivers will be directed to follow signed detours to the 11th Street Bridge.

The work being done on the swing span is focused on repairs to the steel framing of the swing span. Variable message boards and detour signs will be posted to aid travelers in getting to their destinations via established detours.

This phase of the $27 million project is slated for completion in February 2008.