Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-01-23
Location Of the BRIDGE

1ucTe nave appeared numerous arC1-
cles and editorials in The Star over
the past several years concerning con-
struction Of a Potomac River bridge
between Washington and Virginia. It
is with interest to note the various
proposals advanced for q particular
location and the reasons behind these
recommendations. There have been at
least five locations proposed along with
reasons for their consideration. I have
been particularly interested in this
development as member of an origi-
nal group which more than IL years
ago suggested that a bridge be con-
structed across the Potomac from E
street or Constitution avenue to the
Virginia side.
In determining the location of a
bridge which would serve the greatest
number of people both in nearby Vir-
ginia and Washington, bridge con-
structed in an area between Key Bridge
and Memorial Bridge connecting on
the Washington side near E street
would appear to me to be the most
logical. From an observation made
over the past several years it would
seem that If it were not for the rush
hour traffic in the morning and eve
ming an additional bridge would be
unnecessary except for possible stra-
tegic purposes. Based on this obServa-
ton it would appear that the greatest
advantage Of an additional bridge
would be to residents of nearby Airing
ton and Fairfax Counties coming into
Washington to work. shop or for other
business, aid to residents of the Dis
trict of Columbia going into Virginia
for the same purposes. This is the
load that should control the location
of the bridge and not the consideration
Of providing bypass bridge removed
from the central area for the benefit
of far fewer people not wholly de-
pendent on properly located bridge
for their daily use.
It is common knowledge that the
greatest increase in population in near
by Virginia is to the southwest of
Washington. We have two main feeder
highways connecting with Key and
Memorial Bridges. namely Arlington
boulevard and Lee highway. and in
addition such other feeders as Wilson
boulevard and the Washington Me-
mortal Parkway. With the improve
ments now being made on Arlington
boulevard. traffic will flow faster to
the bridge heads than heretofore.
These principal avenues of approach
could all readily be connected with a
bridge located across the Potomac in
the vicinity Of Constitution avenue
and E street and provide the most
direct route to the downtown Wash
ington area. A bridge here would not
increase the total number of vehicles
entering and leaving Washington but
would relieve the congested conditions
which now exist on the present ap-
proaches.
Those opposed to the location of the
bridge across the lower portion of
Theodore Roosevelt Island argue that
it would detract aesthetically and
encroach on the wildlife sanctuary
which has been established on this
island. 1t is my opinion that a prop
erly designed bridge and made a me-
mortal to the great Teddy Roosevelt
would do more to perpetuate his name
than maintaining this island in its
present condition. Such wild life as
exists on this island would not be dis
turbed or affected by bridge passing
oyer a small portion at an elevation
of 40 feet or more above the ground
Could it also be that certain groups
are opposed to the e street location
because of aesthetic considerations and
are blind to the obvious need for a
bridge here where it will serve to the
best advantage?
With the many years and time-con-
Stunning studies that have already been
made it is to be hoped that an early
decision will be made for a much
needed Potomac River crossing and a
location selected where it will serve
the greatest number of people day in
and day out.
Roy E. Guard.