Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-07-11
ARTSB0DY REVIEWS
APPEAL FOR BRIDGE
Chain Bridge Closing Near,
Group Holds in Citing
Need for Span.

With the virtual certainty that the
historic Chain Bridge may be closed
shortly, perhaps permanently, the
Commission of Fine Arts today re.
newed it's recommendation that an
other bridge be constructed across the
Potomac River, preferably in the vi
cinity of Great Falls. The stone pier
at the Virginia end of the Chain
Bridge is in such a weakened condi-
ton that an unusual strain or stress
may precipitate the entire span into
the S5-foot- deep river. Engineers are
watching the old bridge closely, fear
full that a sudden cave-in of the an
cient structure may cause loss of life.
Holding that even if the Chain
Bridge were safe for vehicular traffic
of any proportion, another bridge Is
needed between nearby Maryland and
Virginia points, the fine arts body
declared today that the gorge OF
Great Falls is the ideal location for
another structure across the Potomac.
mot only should a bridge be put up
Immediately below Great Falls, but
the District of Columbia should
acquire and develop as a park all the
area around the picturesque falls"
H. p. Caemmerer, secretary of the
commission, said today. "Our COM
mission has repeatedly urged that an
other bridge be constructed across the
river and that it should be at Great
Falls. Whether or not the Chain
Bridge is repaired and made fit for
traffic, the other bridge should be
built"
Wants States to Build Span.
Mr.. Caemmerer suggested that if
Congress does not see fit to provide
the money for the proposed Great
Falls bridge, the States of Maryland
and Virginia should build it on
$3.50 basis.
The practicability of repairing the
south abutment was dis.
cussed at a lengthy conference today
between Engineer Commissioner VIII
liam &. Ladue. Assistant Engineer
Commissioner II. c. Whitehurst and
Engineers Of the District Bridge De-
partment.
The conference developed the fact
that the District is faced with one of
two alternateS-tlosing the bridge
until an appropriation is provided for
it's reconstruction, or making tempo
rary repairs to the abutment, which
constitutes the greatest hazard at the
present time. The officials, however,
estimate that it will cost between
$4,000 and 100000 to put the abut-
ment in a safe condition, and they
are dubious as to the wisdom of
spending such an amount on an old
structure that will have to be re-
built in the near future.
To Fix Responsibility.
Before reaching decision, Commits
sioner Ladue and his assistants plan
to confer with H. G. Shirley, commits
sioner of highways of the State Of
Virginia, to settle a mooted question
as to jurisdiction at the south abut-
ment.
The Virginia authorities have main
tained that they have no jurisdiction
whatever over the bridge and have
therefore declined to proffer financial
assistance toward it's reconstruction.
The District, however, contends that
a portion of the south abutment, par
ticularly it's two wings, are in Vir-
ginia territory, and that if repairs are
undertaken, it is doubtful whether
District funds could be legally used
for work outside of it's jurisdiction.
The bridge can be reconstructed for
about $350,O00, according to estimates
of District officials, by using the abut-
ment on the District side of the river
and the existing piers. The abutment
on the Virginia side, in the opinion OF
the officials, will have to be replaced.