Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-22
DISCUSSION I OF PLANS.
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Conference Over y + Details of
Un ion Terminal il Project.
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CHANGES PROBABLE
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RAILWAY COMPANY,S REQUEST
REGARDING BRIDGE WORK.
Proposed Exchange Of Realty for
Privilege of Delaying Construction
Legislation Needed.

otar To-Day that the conference held at the
District building late yesterday afternoon
between the officials of the District en-.
gfneer department and the engineers OF
| the Baltimore and Ohia railroad dealt with
several matters regarded as of Importance
In connection with the work on the union
railroad terminal project In the national
capital. The conference it is believed
may lead to the adoption of a proposition
| involving several changes in plans for GER
tain features of the work in lexington
notably the construction of the New York
avenue and T street bridges
One of the most important matters dis
cussed by the representatives of the Dis
trfct and the railroad officials it is under
stood. was the proposition that the Dis
trict Commissioners request Congress at the
next session for authority to indefinitely
extend the time for the construction of the
bridge over the tracks of the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad on the line of New York
avenue.
Under the present law the railroad COM
pany is required to have the New York
avenue bridge completed by the time the
rest of the terminal project is finished. The
proposition now before the officials for con-
sideration Is to extend the time for the
construction of this bridge until such time
as the Commissioners may order 1t to be
built. 1t is pointed out that by the terms
OF the deal under consideration both the
District and the railroad company will be
benefited by such an arrangement as is
proposed.
Bridge to Cost $4,000.
The New York avenue bridge will be
about 500 feet long, as it will carry New
York avenue over the proposed series of
tracks in the company's lexington yards.
This structure, 1t is estimated, would cost
about $150,000. 1t is pointed out that
New York avenue is not opened up east
of the present line of the Baltimore and
Ohio road. and it Is a question as to just
when this avenue will be opened east of
its present terminus Until the avenue is
opened up beyond its present terminus,
1t Is stated, the proposed bridge would
not be used by the public. and therefore,
1T Is argued, its construction at this time
would be unnecessary.
In the event the Avenue Is not opened
up for four or five-years. or even for a
longer time, the railEoad company, if the
time for building the bridge is extended
would have the beneft9of the interest on
the large sum of money required for the
bridges construction. The District If is
stated, would save the expense of main
tanning the bridge during the time would
also have new bridge when it is needed,
instead of bridge that had remained
unused for several years.
: tins also understood that the railroad
company, in consideration for the extern
sion of time in the construction of the
bridge proposes to. give to the District
the land needed forta site for a new prom
erty yard for the District in the vicinity
of lexington and along the line of the
railroad. This latter Consideration is re-
garded as enc of The most prominent fea-
lures of THE propSsfti4h and. while the
authorities decline to discuss the subject
of the conference, II is understood that.
the proposition is viewed with favor by
the District officials
AS previously stated however IT will he
necessary to obtain additional legislation
from Congress before the deal now under
discussion can be accomplished, and sever
az points Will arise in the consideration of
the matter. One of the most important
matters to be considered In connection with
this proposition will be the probable time
wnen New York avenue can be extended
beyond its present terminus.
Another Bridge Projected.
In connection with the proposed changes
in the street bridge, it is understood the
railroad company desires to construct a
bridge twenty-four feet wide, instead of
thirty feet wide, according to the tentative
plans for the structure. The T street
bridge, it is stated, will be about $50 feet
long and will cost about $175,O 900, according
to the tentative plans If it is narrowed
the cost will be considerably less than S175-
00O. This bridge will be used to a great ex-
tent by farmers hauling produce to the
city, but it is believed that bridge twenty
four feet wide will be sufficient to accom-
modate traffic along street northeast
The proposition has merely been under
discussion among the District and the rail-
road engineers, and both parties interested
decline to discuss the proposition in its
present tentative stage. 1t is stated, how
ever. that the matters discussed at the
conference yesterday afternoon will be fur
Their considered in conferences to be held at
a later date. when definite action will be
taken.
The District pays to the railroad company
81 100000 as its share of the expense for
the terminal improvements, the elimination
of grade crossings, etc, and this amount
is in consideration for the construction of
the New York avenue. the T street and
several other bridges over streets and va
II, ttnrf foot fJaaf