South Capitol Street Bridge Receives Funding A key transportation artery is in line for some much-needed repairs after last week’s Senate passage of the omnibus spending bill.

The legislation includes $7 million for structural and safety improvements to South Capitol Street and the Frederick Douglass Bridge from the Southeast-Southwest Freeway to Firth Sterling Avenue in Anacostia. The Douglass bridge is considered severely compromised when it comes to safety, structural adequacy, serviceability and function.

“These funds are three months overdue and are critical to assist in easing the overwhelming traffic congestion in our region,” Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), a longtime advocate of transportation improvements for the South Capitol Street corridor, said in a statement. 

In related news, the Anacostia Crossings and Freeway Study — a central component of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative — received $750,000 to fund its examination of ways to improve transportation modes linking the District to Maryland through Anacostia.

— Bree Hocking