PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images
WASHINGTON (AP) — District of Columbia officials are rolling out plans to replace an aging bridge in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol.
The Frederick Douglass Bridge carries South Capitol Street over the Anacostia River. It was built in 1950 and helps carry commuters from Prince George’s County and southern Maryland into downtown. It also provides access to Nationals Park.
City officials say the bridge may need to be closed unless it’s replaced within 5 to 15 years. Replacing the bridge is expected to cost $660 million, but Mayor Vincent Gray says a new bridge would be more cost-effective in the long run than continuing to repair the old one.
City officials say an environmental impact study has been completed and the city has started acquiring land for the new bridge.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
