Coming to a Thoroughfare Near You!

Dear Bridge Diary,

Have you ever watched a movie trailer and become excited about the release date?  As someone who adores brides, this is how I feel about the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C.!   The new bridge will cross the Anacostia River and replace the existing 70-year-old structure.  Currently, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) project website projects that it will open in September 2021.  I cannot wait to cross it!

The New Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge has all the ingredients of a signature bridge.  A signature bridge is memorable.  It is a beacon for the community over decades, and sometimes a century.  Also, the name of a signature bridge often has meaning behind it. So, before diving into the structure, who was Mr. Frederick Douglass?

Frederick Douglass was an activist and public speaker, who sought equality and human rights for people who were enslaved.  Mr. Douglass was born in Talbot County, Maryland as Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, and escaped from the bondage of slavery himself. He advised U.S. Presidents, including President Abraham Lincoln on the abolition of slavery.  He also served as U.S. Marshal of the District of Columbia during President Rutherford B. Hayes’ administration.  He authored many books, including the 1845 autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave” and orated notable speeches.  On July 5, 1852, Mr. Douglass gave a courageous speech that posed the question “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?” where he examined the paradox of Independence Day and ongoing American slavery.  At one point in the speech, he speaks of African Americans’ undeniable standing as human beings as evident from their contributions to the building of America, including constructing bridges.  Later in life, Mr. Douglass had a home in Southeast Washington, D.C., just a couple of miles from this new bridge of his namesake.

The New Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge carries South Capitol Street over the Anacostia River.  It is an arch bridge with a planned overall length of 1,445 linear feet.  The construction of the bridge continues to progress. The arches are in place, and the roadway deck has been installed.  There are vertical cables (or suspenders) installed as well, which serve to transfer forces from the roadway deck to the arches. The consecutive arches resemble a rock skipping across a river, according to a presentation by the bridge’s design team(s) at local presentations.   The arches distribute the forces to the bridge foundations.

Similar to a bridge, Mr. Douglass’ words served to connect communities across large divides.  He boldly devoted his life to the progress of the nation.  So, it is fitting that this new, iconic structure is named after him.  This fall, I look forward to crossing it.