As jdland reported, the Final EIS for the 11th Street Bridge project came out recently and it contains a preferred alternative. The new bridge, of built, will be built on top of the existing piers so the new bridge will have the same number of automobile lanes. But it will add paths for cyclists and pedestrians (as well as make accommodations for streetcars).
The preferred alternative (pictured) is not the one most cyclists preferred
Pedestrian and bicycle groups expressed a preference for Build Alternative IV because the proposed cross-section over the river incorporated a 14-foot multi-use trail adjacent to local travel lanes on both structures. Other build alternatives incorporated a total multi-use trail width of 20 feet adjacent to local travel lanes on the downstream structure only.
The bridge will basically include two bike lanes, one on the upstream side of the local traffic lanes and one on the downstream side. This is the equivalent of creating two bridges. Alternative IV was preferred by cyclists because it separated those two bridges by the most space and they included and extra 8 feet for cyclists. Additionally, that alternative created unadulterated views upstream and downstream, which isn't technically advantageous but as Borat would say "It's nice." Still, the new bridge will be a real improvement for cyclists.
The preferred alternative will consist of two bike bridges starting at 11th and N on the north. The downstream bridge will connect to Good Hope Road in Anacostia Park, with a connection to MLK avenue at U Street. The upstream bridge will connect to 13th and U St SE. Below is the cross section of the chosen bridge.
http://wwwtripwithinthebeltway.blogspot.com/2007/11/11th-street-bridge-project-rush-job.html
http://wwwtripwithinthebeltway.blogspot.com/2007/11/11th-street-bridges-suggested.html
http://wwwtripwithinthebeltway.blogspot.com/2007/11/11th-street-bridges-project-elitism.html
http://wwwtripwithinthebeltway.blogspot.com/2007/11/11th-street-bridges-project-marion.html
Why the rush job to increase a an elevated berm freeway to cross over a railroad that's planned to be removed.
Posted by: Douglas Willinger | November 21, 2007 at 11:42 PM