2006 CWL #2 - Francis Case Bridge connection

The Francis Case Bridge - the bridge that carries the SW Freeway over the Washington Channel - includes a "mixed use path" from Banneker Park to East Potomac Park.

The bridge was built sometime before 1965 (not sure when) and the path added in later (again not sure when). There is a plan to rebuild the whole L'Enfant Plaza/Banneker Park area that includes bike lanes, bike parking and much needed curb cuts to the path, but it leaves out one thing that I'd like to see fixed - the crazy zig-zag ramp that connects the Case Bridge to Banneker Circle seen in this photo.

I have no idea why this ramp was used. I suspect it had to be ADA compliant (meaning it was built after 1990?) and that this is what they could buy for cheap from a supplier. But it's ridiculous. It forces a cyclist to slow down and slowly meander back and forth several times. For pedestrians (or those in wheelchairs), it must be murder. The bridge is higher than the park, but - because the ramp is so deep - a user has to go down to the bottom and then climb back up to the park (or vice-versa).

I suspect the ramp was designed for use in places with limited space, but that's not an issue here. From the bridge to the park is ~250 feet (not counting height differencs). ADA rules require a 12:1 slope, so - if the bridge is less than 20 feet higher than the park - a gently curving path, with no switchback, should be feasible. Even if not, less switchback is definately possible. Something more like this. Actually this is included in the L'Enfant Plaza Plan - but only in a picture used for "illustrative purposes" (see picture). All that I'm asking for is that THAT vision be used.

OK, that's not true. As long as they're at it, it would be great if the path were continued along the freeway exit, over I-395 and down to D Street. But, I swear, that's it.

Comments

[john pickett]

The zig zag was put in when the bridge was redone about ten or so years ago. I ride a long recumbent and the zigs and zags are very hard to navigate without stopping.

I think it was put in to keep bikes from speeding downhill from the bridge into the circle. Not a bad objective but it could have been accomplished in a less obnoxious way.