Letter
Dear Mr. Van Dop:
At its meeting of 21 October 2004, the Commission reviewed the proposed design for the replacement Southern Avenue Bridge over the Suitland Parkway in southeast Washington, DC. The members were not able to take formal action on their recommendations as they were lacking a quorum when the project was presented. However, the members present did comment on the proposed design and requested it be reconsidered before they take formal action on the submission next month. While the members understood the existing bridge is in poor structural condition and needs replacing, they did recognize its purposeful, yet graceful, expression of structure and thought that it was visually interesting for the motorist passing underneath. These were qualities they found lacking in the proposed bridge and suggested a new design be considered, hopefully one that is contemporary in style. The use of the standard Washington Globe light on the bridge was discouraged, as was chain link fencing.
Our next meeting is scheduled for 18 November. The members look forward to the continued review of this project. As always, the staff is available should you, your staff or the design team require guidance.
Sincerely,
/s/Frederick J. Lindstrom
Acting Secretary
Mr. Jack Van Dop
Senior Technical Specialist, Environmental Compliance
Federal Highway Administration
21400 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, VA 20166-6511
cc: Harry Rombach, R.A.
Leon Chatelain
H. Rodman Henderer
Melissa Devnich
Michael R. Sullivan, Director
Susan L. Kasun, PLC2 Design Manger
Robert Osborne, AIA
Joseph Mancuso, P.E., Project Manager