Evening star., 1936-07-12
The Ever Present Problem
OF Potomac River Bridges.


EOR several years past there has
been considerable agitation for
the replacement of old Chain
Bridge. Whether this was to be .
modern bridge on the old site or a
monumental high-level bridge In Q
new location was the subject Of
much energetic debate. There also
entered into the consideration Of
the problem the question of who
was to pay for the bridge. II low
level structure on the present site.
was the cost to be divided between
the District and Virginia? Or If
the high-level structure were de-
cided on, with one approach in
Maryland and another in Virginia
forming connecting link in q ma
tional highway from New England
to Florida, by whom would the ex-
penSe be borne?
Throughout the period of dis
cussion Of this matter there was a
most insistent demand by our Vir-
ginia neighbors for a new bridge.
Representative Howard W. Smith
Of the eighth congressional district
assumed leadership in the fight for
new bridge, aided by the Vir-
ginia delegation in Congress. To
him should 60 the credit for OBJ
tanning the appropriation for new
Chain Bridge. He and his con-
stituents consistently declined to
favor any part Of the cost Of this
bridge being paid by Virginia.
Plans are now in the course Of
preparation for the new bridge
authorized under the current Dis
trict appropriation act. Engineer
Commissioner Sultan has an
nounced the tentative approval of q
two-traffic lane structure. This
proposal Is meeting with strong
opposition on the part of some of
the residents Of Arlington County,
Va, who insist that this bridge, SO
per cent Of the cost of which is paid
from District taxes, shall have
three trafic lanes. One of these
nearby Virginians, calling attention
to the very rapid growth of the
population of his section. urges that
still another bridge should be built
across the Potomac somewhere be-
tween the Key Bridge and the
Chain Bridge. There has been,
however. no suggestion made in this
connection regarding the sharing
Of the cost Of the other bridge be-
tween the two Jurisdictions or OF
having the United States bear the
burden of such interstate span.
A recent Associated Press report
told Of q conference between ON
cials Of Maryland. Virginia and
West Virginia with Federal Bureau
of Public Roads officials, to make
plans for reconstruction of Potomac
River bridges washed out by floods
last Spring. These are located at
Point of Rocks, Harpers Ferry and
Shepherdstown. These bridges are
estimated to cost between $500, 900
and $500, 900 each. A Virginia ON
cial announced that Virginia was
ready to put up her half Of the
Point of Rocks structure. Plans
for the other bridges mentioned are
not yet complete, or the exact loca-
tions decided upon.
Some Of the representatives Of
organized civic Washington who
are particularly interested in
bridges continue to hold to the idea
that it is only equitable that the
cost of bridge building be divided
between the Jurisdictions served; or
else such structures should be
erected at the entire expense of the
Federal Government.
The proposed John Philip Sousa
Bridge over the Anacostia River
being entirely within the District, is
not involved In any jurisdictional
dispute as the District will natur.
ally have to stand the expense.
Safe and Sane 4th Of July
For Entire Metropolitan Area.
THE violation of the local regula-
tions against the sale and and
use Of fireworks In the District pre-
sents a civic problem of long stand
ing. The difficulty of enforcement,
particularly in the bordering sub
urbs. is due to the fact that the
sale Of these explosives Is permitted
Just over the District line.
The District has had the advan.
tase for many years Of the celebra-
ton Of Independence day in q safe
and sane manner. It has had fire.
works tn q large central celebration
and also in numerous smaller Sec
tonal celebrations. In most Of
these the explosives are handled
and set on by experts furnished by
the contracting manufacturers.
The central and also the neigh
borhood celebrations had their
birth as . substitute for the old
noisy and dangerous affair which
hlled the hospitals with victims and
kept the Fire Department busy.
Most civic leaders of the District
are thoroughly sold on the safe and
sane idea. Some believe there
would be many advantages ac-
cruing through the extension Of q
regulation throughout the entire
metropolitan area similar to that
IN the District. They see this rs .
problem which could probably 1ind
q solution through q study by the
InterfederAtion Conference. It u
understood that there Is consider.
able sentiment In the thickly set