By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com

Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) joined the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Ward 7 community members on July 25 as she celebrated the grand opening of the new Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge. According to DDOT, the new structure is expected to be used by thousands annually to connect residents with mass transit and different neighborhoods within the ward.

The Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge brings a new and improved way for D.C. Ward 7 residents to travel.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the District Department of Transportation

“The new Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge is another example of how we can work with the federal government to upgrade our infrastructure and build more connected communities,” said Bowser in a news release. “We’re grateful for the support of the Biden-Harris Administration, and we look forward to getting more federal dollars out the door and into projects that help us build safer, more accessible and more sustainable communities.”

The new pedestrian bridge, spanning DC I-295, cost $17 million and was funded by around $14 million in federal dollars and $3.4 million in District funds. 

The bridge will bring enhanced pedestrian safety and community connectivity to Ward 7. The Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge includes new quality lighting, access ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessibility and stairs as an alternative route for bridge access. 

“By investing in projects like the Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge, we are keeping communities connected and creating safer pathways for our residents to walk, bike and commute,” said Sharon Kershbaum, DDOT acting director. “Thanks to Mayor Bowser and our federal partners, projects like the Douglas Street Pedestrian Bridge, and the soon to be completed reconstruction of the Lane Place Bridge, we are making a meaningful impact by supporting communities, improving accessibility and ensuring residents in every ward can utilize safe, multimodal transportation options.”

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