The old Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge – which opened in 1950 as the South Capitol Street Bridge – was a truly a case of form following function. The emphasis was on building a bridge across the Anacostia that could handle traffic, and not for its esthetics. Here it can be seen in 2016 with the USS Barry in front. (RSP)
It did have one thing going for it: It could be rotated to allow large ships to pass. Unfortunately, as this became ever less necessary, and the need for a new bridge became greater, it was decided to remove the USS Barry so that a new – non-opening – bridge could be built (Tim Krepp)
THe new design was to be bold and unique, and eventually a series of arches framing the span was decided upon. This picture was taken in October, 2020, from the top of the Washington Monument (RSP)
Approaching the bridge from the ground these days, you find yourself in the shadow of these arches (RSP)
While the Navy Yard neighborhood hardly needs any advertising these days, an esthetically pleasing bridge will certainly add to its charm. (RSP)
While it is sad that the Barry had to leave to make the new structure possible, it is probably overall an improvement (RSP)
And one more picture: The bridge at night (Maria Helena Carey)
