New Douglass Bridge: Plans and designs unveiled for SE project

WASHINGTON 鈥斅燚istrict officials unveiled plans Thursday for the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.

Construction begins at year鈥檚 end on the $441 million project, which will also rebuild the Suitland Parkway/Interstate 295 interchange.

In addition, it will create new traffic ovals east of the river, connecting South Capitol Street, Suitland Parkway and Anacostia Drive; and west of the river, connecting South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue and Q Street.

鈥淚t is the largest construction project in the history of the District of Columbia,鈥� Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference near the Anacostia River.

The 68-year-old bridge鈥檚 replacement, years in the making, is scheduled to open in March 2021. Its design features four pedestrian overlooks, three above-deck arches and two piers that will appear to float in the river. (Courtesy DDOT) — The new design features four pedestrian overlooks, three above-deck arches and two piers that will appear to float in the river. (Courtesy DDOT)

Construction begins at year鈥檚 end on the $441 million project, which will also rebuild the Suitland Parkway/I-295 interchange. In addition, it will create new traffic ovals east of the river connecting South Capitol Street, Suitland Parkway and Anacostia Drive; and west of the river connecting South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue and Q Street. (Courtesy DDOT) — Construction begins at year鈥檚 end on the $441 million project, which will also rebuild the Suitland Parkway/I-295 interchange. (Courtesy DDOT)

鈥淲hen completed, this will be a tremendous structure and a fitting memorial for a remarkable American icon,鈥� said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. (Courtesy DDOT)

The $441 million project will also create new traffic ovals east of the river connecting South Capitol Street, Suitland Parkway and Anacostia Drive; and west of the river connecting South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue and Q Street. (Courtesy DDOT) — The $441 million project will also create new traffic ovals east of the river, connecting South Capitol Street, Suitland Parkway and Anacostia Drive; and west of the river, connecting South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue and Q Street. (Courtesy DDOT)

Demolition on the 68-year-old Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge will begin following the new bridge鈥檚 completion. (草莓传媒/Megan Cloherty)

A view of the current Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge (Courtesy DDOT) — A view of the current Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. (Courtesy DDOT)

An artist鈥檚 rendering of how the new bridge will look over the Anacostia (Courtesy DDOT) — An artist鈥檚 rendering of how the new bridge will look over the Anacostia River. (Courtesy DDOT)

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The 68-year-old bridge鈥檚 replacement, years in the making, is scheduled to open in March 2021. Its design features four pedestrian overlooks, three above-deck arches and two piers that will appear to float in the river.

鈥淲hen completed, this will be a tremendous structure and a fitting memorial for a remarkable American icon,鈥� Bowser said.

The new bridge will be built roughly 100 feet away from the existing one. After its completion, the eight-month demolition begins on the old bridge, said District Department of Transportation Director Leif Dormsjo.

The project will employ 200 D.C. residents, officials said.

鈥淭he new bridge will simultaneously enhance the District鈥檚 transportation infrastructure, boost the local economy, and support the ongoing revitalization of the Anacostia Waterfront and development on both sides of the river,鈥� Dormsjo said.

Also attending Thursday鈥檚 event were members of South Capitol Bridge Builders (which is among those working on the project) and congressional Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton.

鈥淪outh Capitol Street is a vital gateway to the nation鈥檚 capital and a gateway to greater opportunities for D.C. neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River,鈥� said Norton, who worked toward securing more than $200 million in federal funding for the project.

鈥淎s we prepare to commemorate the bicentennial of Fredrick Douglass鈥� birth next year, now is the perfect time to celebrate moving forward on this memorial bridge named in his honor,鈥� she said.

The project is part of the 30-year, $10 billion Anacostia Waterfront Initiative Program.

草莓传媒’s Megan Cloherty contributed to this report.

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