Evening star., 1912-07-20
DRAWS IN BRIDGES
Feature of Plans for Anacostia
River Improvement.
EXTENSION OF NAVIGATION
Public Hearing Promised Before
Final Action in the Matter.
PROJECT INVOLVES PROBLEMS
Cost Of Opening River to District
Lime Under Consideration.
Question of Liability.
EXTENSION OF NAVIGATION
PROJECT INVOLVES PROBLEMS

Ting War Department is considering
seriousfy .tbe. ..duestion of requiring four
Of the bridges across the Anacostia river,
between the Anacostia bridge and the
District line. near Bladensburg, TO be
width. That is one OF the features of
the approved plan for the reclamation and
Improvement of the river between the
points named which has been prepared
by the board of army engineers specially
charged by Congress with that duty.
Owing to the importance of the ques-
tons and the great expense involved,
Gen. oliver, acting secretary of war. has
decided to grant a public hearing to all
persons concerned before taking final ac-
ton in the matter. THAT hearing will be
held by Col Langfitt, the engineer Of
fcer In charge of local river and harbor
works, and who is the chairman of the
board charged with the reclamation OF
the Anacostia river above the Anacostia
bridge. 1t will be held within the next
few weeks after due notice to the public
One Of the principal questions to be de-
termined is wether the commercial in
terests of the city demand the free navi-
cation of the river above the Pennsyl-
vania Avenue bridge, which is the pres
ent limit. In case that question Is de-
termined in the affirmative, ii is held
that the War Department is authorized
under general statute to require the re-
mova1 Of all existing distractions at the
expense Of those responsible therefor. In
the case Of the bridges. that requirement
probably would be fully met by the con-
struction Of suitable draw spans. II that
were not possible under exiting structural
conditions 1t might be that new bridges
would have to be provided.
Problems for Solution.
In case 1t is determined that the ex-
isting bridges do not constitute IAN un-
reasonable obstruction to navigation"
and that the proposed draw spans are
not absolutely necessary in the interest
of local commerce, 1t then will have to
ne determined whether the building OF
draw spans may be required for the free
movement of the floating plant to be
used in improving the upper river under
authority Of the special act Of Congress
authorizing such Improvement or wheth-
er the dredges and other plant shall be
taken In sections to the various places re-
auired between the bridges and there set
up and afterward removed In the same
way. The determination of that question
also involves the question of who shall
hear the expense Of providing the draw
spans In case their construction Is order
ed. It IN roughly estimated that draw
span win cost anywhere from $4,000 to
$100.00o, according to conditions.
In addition to tho general public. the
United States government, the District
government, the Pennsylvania Railroad
Cnmpany and the Washington Railway
and Electric Company are vitality inter.
ested in the settlement Of these Quesf
tions. The four bridges under considera-
tfon are: The public bridge at Pennsyl-
vlnia avenue, the Pennsylvania railroad
bridge just above Massachusetts, avenue,
the public bridge at Bennfng road and the
bridge OF the washington Railway. and
penses involved in altering the two pub
lie bridges undoubtedly would lie with
either the United States or the District Of
Columbia, or with both Jointly, or they
might be met out OF the annual appro-
priations for the general impr ovement OF
the river.
For Separate Determination.
That question. however. is for separate
that the railroad bridges are unreason-
able distractions to navigation, the rail-
road companies will be required to bear
the expense Of their alterations, but II al
terations are required for other reasons
the expenses probably would have to be
horne by the United States and the Dis
trict of Columbia. At least these are the
views Of the officials who have considered
the questions.
far. for the improvement Of the Ana
costa river between the Anacostia bridge
and the District line. Under the pro-
visions of the District Of Columbia ap-
preparation act approved March 1911.
the Improvement was placed In charge
of board Of army engineers. consisting
OF Col. Langitt in charge Of local
river and harbor works; Col. Jud-
son, Engineer Commissioner OF the Dis
trict. and Col Cosby. in charge Of pub
lie buildings and grounds. The plans of
the board, as approved by Gen. Bixby,
chief OF engineers, and also by the Sec
retary OF War. contemplate the insertion
OF draw spans in the four bridges men,
toned.
The general project for the improve
ment Of the river contemplates the mar
rowing of the stream between masonry
sea walls at the lower sections and be-
upper reaches. and to build a huge
eArthen dam across the river on the
line of Massachusetts avenue. Besides
containing a wide lock for the passage
OF vessels, the dam will constitute a
highway across the river and will be pro-
tded with a draw span bridge over the
lock.
The proposed bridge openings and
dredging operations are expected to
open Anaeostia to navigation by
70 the Magruder bridge. just east of
the National Training School for Boys,
near the District line. That bridge is
used by the Pennsylvania railroad in
its passenger service to and from the
Union station.
Gen. Bixby Reviews Plans.
In report to the Secretary of War
recommending a public hearing before
final action. Gen. Bixby reviewed briefly
the plans of the board. and said:
ITO permit of the reasonable use and
enjoyment by navigation interests of the
improvements provided for by Congress.
the board considers ii necessary tha,
these four bridges be provided with draw
spans having clear openings 100 feet In
width. thus affording the same facilities
for the passage OF water craft as are now
AFFORDED by the bridge known as the Ana.
costa bridge which crosses the river
nearest its mouth. II appears from tho
boards report that the alteration of the
bridges as specified. is necessary not only
in the interest of commerce. but also tC
enable the floating plant employed in the
work to get to the sites Of the various
parts thereof. One year Is deemed 4
reasonable time within which to make
the changes desired. It is recommended
that the District Engineer. Col. Lansfitt
be directed to hold public hearing. aftel
notice TO all parties concerned as re
quired by the law and the orders of thu
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