MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release Julia Koster May 5, 2016 202-482-7211 or [email protected] Steve Morgan 202-482-7275 or [email protected]
NCPC Provides Feedback on the Arlington Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Plans Commission hears information presentations on the White House Complex Fence and Federal Agency Responses to Flood Risk Management Executive Order
Washington, DC – At its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 5, 2016, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) provided comments on concept designs submitted by the National Park Service to rehabilitate the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Federal Highway Administration inspections identified significant amounts of corroded steel and deteriorated concrete, with the concrete arch approach spans and the steel bascule (drawbridge) span the most critical elements in need of repair.
Plans include rehabilitating or replacing the steel bascule space; repairs to the deteriorated portions of the abutments, piers, and concrete arch approach spans; replacing the concrete bridge deck; resurfacing the travel lanes; replacing the concrete sidewalks and refitting of granite curbs; repairs to granite bridge railings, lamp posts, and access panels; installing an improved drainage system; and other minor nonstructural bridge improvements.
Designed by McKim, Mead, and White and opened in 1932, the 2,163-foot-long and 94-foot-wide Arlington Memorial Bridge is one of five bridges spanning the Potomac that connect Washington, DC with Virginia. A vital part of the region’s transportation network, it carries more than 68,000 vehicles daily, as well as thousands of pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Commission noted its support for methods that eliminate or minimize the need for full bridge closures for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic during the construction. And, the Commission encouraged continued coordination with local and regional agencies to address potential impacts to mobility during construction.
The Commission heard two information presentations. In the first, representatives from the United States Secret Service provided an update on proposed improvements to the White House Complex Fence. The proposed improvements seek to meet security requirements while maintaining aesthetic and historic preservation goals. The design proposed by the United States Secret Service proposes to make the fence taller and stronger with anti-climb features, and will include intrusion detection technology. The preliminary design is expected to come before the Commission sometime this summer.
In the second information presentation, NCPC staff presented a proposal to create several multi-agency work groups to address regional responses by federal agencies to Executive Order 13690: Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input.
— MORE — NCPC Media Release May 5, 2016 Page 2
The Commission also approved one consent calendar item, providing comments to the District of Columbia, Office of the Mayor regarding the District of Columbia Fiscal Years 2017 to 2022 Capital Improvement Plan.
In addition, the Executive Director and Chairman approved nine items under authority delegated by the Commission. The final agenda, project materials, and staff recommendations are available on NCPC’s website. Video of the meeting will be available on NCPC’s website within 48 hours. Project images are available upon request.
The National Capital Planning Commission is the federal government's central planning agency in the District of Columbia and surrounding counties of Maryland and Virginia. The Commission provides overall guidance for federal land and buildings in the region. It also reviews the design of federal projects and memorials, oversees long-range planning for future development, and monitors capital investment by federal agencies.
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