News Advisory for Immediate Release June 5, 2003 Mayor Williams, Reps. Norton and Hoyer Release Study Proposing New Bridge, Tunnel for South Capitol Street (Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams, joined by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Congressman Steny Hoyer and Councilmember Sharon Ambrose (Ward 6), today released the draft South Capitol Gateway and Corridor Improvement Study, a key step in Mayor Williams' Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. The report contains proposals designed to transform South Capitol Street, from Maryland across the Anacostia River to The Capitol, into a vibrant, mixed-use grand boulevard that is a fitting gateway to the Nation's Capital, including a new bridge and tunnel and reestablishing the L'Enfant street grid. The release was at the Pump House at First and Potomac Streets, SE, on the Anacostia River, within sight of the South Capitol Street Bridge. To realize this grand vision, the study recommends replacing the existing highway span with a new bridge and tunnel. Instead of a commuter highway, the new bridge would be a world class urban crossing, closer to the water and integral to the riverfront environment. East of the river, the new tunnel and interchange will take traffic from I-295 and the Suitland Parkway directly to the I-395 and the 3rd St/Mall Tunnel and through traffic from Howard Road. The study is the first transportation study to look at the traffic needs in the area and is the first step to implement proposals for the corridor made by the National Capital Planning Commission and others. Because it is a heavily traveled thruway, the South Capitol Street corridor now limits access to the riverfront for recreation and development on both sides of the Anacostia and to surrounding streets. The new South Capitol Street Bridge will afford bicycle and pedestrian access to the Anacostia Riverwalk, a major component of the AWI. In this context, the bike is an important transportation mode as well as recreation vehicle on the riverfront. The new South Capitol Street will foster commercial, retail and residential development, strengthen the existing communities and draw new residents and visitors to the area. In addition, the new designated transit corridor will provide for light rail development. Transit across the bridge will improve accessibility for visitors to the riverfront and Historic Anacostia and link up with the Green Line at the Navy Yard Metrorail station. The entire corridor will create a great urban boulevard in the tradition of Pennsylvania Avenue and be a fitting gateway for visitors, including an appropriate welcoming experience for visiting dignitaries from Andrews Air Force Base. The draft is available by calling (212) 671-2800 or from the South Capitol Street website. Public comments can be submitted through the website or to John Deatrick, DDOT Deputy Director, 64 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Comments are due July 3, 2003; the report will be reviewed by the Secretary of Transportation and submitted to Congress in September 2003. The study was conducted by DDOT in cooperation with US Department of Transportation, and the National Park Service and in consultation with DC Office of Planning, the National Capital Planning Commission and the Maryland Department of Transportation.