Letter
Dear Mr. Douglass:
The Commission reviewed the revised design for the Rosalie Island deckover during its 21 September 2004 meeting, and approved the scheme without the vertical pylons. The members found this design to be more appropriate for a landscaped bridge and felt that it reenforced the “sweep” of greenery over the highway connecting the northern and southern portions of the island. In this regard, the members suggested that the plazas at the ends of the deckover could benefit from some additional plants and trees to increase and extend the green landscaping to either side of the deckover.
The one item that generated considerable discussion among the members was the textured treatment of the deckover’s abutments and center pier. Some questioned the use of the faux stone texture on these features and suggested that the concrete be faced with real stone or finished with a simple scored texture if possible. However, they concluded that the finish of the abutments and center pier should match that of the adjoining retaining walls and that additional landscaping or a native non-invasive vine should be provided at the base of these features to soften their appearance.
If there are any additional changes or alterations to the design, please forward them for the Commission’s review. Otherwise the members look forward to the completion of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Sincerely,
/s/Frederick J. Lindstrom
Acting Secretary
Mr. Robert D. Douglass, PE
Director, Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project
Maryland Department of Transportation
707 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
cc: Robert J. Healy, SHA
Thomas E. Mohler, Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, Inc.