By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced the re-opening of the Lane Place Pedestrian Bridge in Ward 7 on Aug. 23. The bridge had been out of use since it collapsed on June 23, 2021 when a truck crashed into it.
“We want every Washingtonian to be able to get where they need to go quickly and safely,” said the mayor’s office on Aug. 26. “This new bridge is a critical replacement which will help keep residents safe and connect neighborhoods.”
The bridge, which goes over DC-295, was rebuilt using $17 million in federal emergency funds.
The remodeling of this bridge ended the work of repairing three of four pedestrian bridges along DC-295 that were in poor condition and posed safety risks. The other two revamped bridges are the Douglas Street Bridge and the Parkside Pedestrian Bridge.
“The completion of the Lane Place Pedestrian Bridge marks a great milestone in our efforts to provide safe, accessible and sustainable transportation options for all residents,” said DDOT Acting Director Sharon Kershbaum in a statement on Aug. 23. “We want to thank the Biden-Harris administration for their continued support on these transformative projects that are having a meaningful impact in supporting communities.”
The new structure features an enhanced vertical clearance to ensure safer vehicle passage below, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and access stairs and better lighting on the bridge and sidewalks.
The Lane Place Pedestrian Bridge also now goes over both Kenilworth Avenue service roads, ending the need for pedestrians to cross the busy access roadways.
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