In Design

Project Background

The existing bridge is a single-span rigid concrete structure built in the 1940s by the War Department as part of the Pentagon Roadway Network. It is a thick, solid concrete bridge that has withstood many years of increasing traffic loads. It has been rated as “poor” in recent structural inspections, meaning the concrete elements are in poor condition, but are sufficiently capable of carrying traffic without further restriction or risk to the public. T he existing structure does not allow for the widening of Columbia Pike to meet its full potential envisioned in the Revitalization Plan, nor does the interchange provide adequate traffic operations, safety or accommodation for all users.

About the Project

The new Washington Boulevard Bridge will be longer to accommodate the Columbia Pike widening, and a light well will separate northbound and southbound lanes. An accel/decel lane will be added northbound between adjacent ramps to assist weaving vehicles.

The clearance under the bridge will be increased to 16'-6” to accommodate a future area streetcar. Columbia Pike will have 11-foot travel lanes (the outside lanes set at 15 feet to accommodate on-road bicyclists), a left-turn lane, and a raised median.

The loop ramp (F) in the northwest quadrant will be eliminated and traffic redirected to a left-turn lane at S. Queen Street for access to southbound Route 27 and I-395. Ramp G will be realigned opposite of S. Queen Street and the intersection will be signalized. Loop Ramp B in the northeast quadrant will be widened to two lanes at the approach to Columbia Pike and Ramp B and westbound Columbia Pike will be signalized. Directional Ramp D in the southeast quadrant will be realigned opposite of S. Orme Street and the intersection will be signalized. The existing signal at S. Quinn Street will be eliminated and all movements restricted except the eastbound right turn-in only.

A 10-foot shared-use path westbound and a 7-foot sidewalk eastbound on Columbia Pike will run through the project area. This design provides enhanced safety, mobility and aesthetics for all interchange users—pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists—and will accommodate the future streetcar.

 Proposed Interchange Configuration

Aesthetic Features

The Bridge Working Group, with Arlington County and VDOT staff, developed concepts for the architectural and aesthetic treatments for the Washington Boulevard Bridge:

• Pylons in each corner of the bridge will establish a greater presence and differentiate this as a gateway to Arlington.
• Steel fascia girders will be haunched to mimic the arch of the existing structure.
• A relief pattern will be incorporated into the vertical outer surfaces of the bridge parapet to create shadows and visual interest.
• A concrete block pattern will be applied to the retaining and abutment walls similar to that of Pentagon architecture.
• Recessed, arched panels will be included on the abutment walls, larger in scale but similar in shape to the medallions attached to the pylons.

If all goes as planned, the medallions will display images reflecting the historical significance of the Freedmen’s Village, for which the bridge will be named—the Freedmen’s Village Bridge—at the request of the Bridge Working Group. The final determination for the bridge's name is anticipated for 2009.

Project Updates

To encourage innovation and expedite design and construction, VDOT will award a design/build contract for this project. The process to select a qualified candidate is underway and a contract award is expected in early 2009. The schedule will be developed when the design-build firm is selected, and it is anticipated that the project will be completed in late 2013.

Resources

Documents from the design public hearing (held June 17, 2008):
 Project location map
 Newspaper advertisement

Contacts

Christiana Briganti-Dunn, 703-383-2193
Bud Siegel, 703-383-2192
Gene Weldon, 703-383-2183