Bridge Closed to Traffic for Routine Early Morning Testing

Media Contact: John Lisle at (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC)  The District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) is scheduled to close the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge (aka South Capitol Street Bridge) from 4 am to approximately 9 am on Sunday, August 2, 2009.

During normal opening and closing operations, the swing span is lowered and then turned or “swung” around in order to allow water traffic to pass.  Crews test the swing span each month to ensure it operates properly and make any necessary repairs.

The bridge will be reopened to traffic as soon as the test opening and related repairs are completed.  In most cases the work is completed ahead of schedule.