Letter
Dear Ms. Deutsch:
In its meeting of 19 June, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the revised concept for the proposed pedestrian and bicyclist bridge between the Metropolitan Branch Trail and the Rhode Island Avenue Metrorail station. The Commission members expressed their support for the ongoing implementation of a continuous Metropolitan Branch Trail and applauded the effort in this project to provide convenient connections to the trail and to the adjacent Metrorail station.
The Commission approved the proposal and made several recommendations concerning the design among the various alternatives that were presented. The Commission recommended that the bridge’s structural system appear as simple and light as possible and favored supporting the elevated ramps and stairs with columns, rather than solid walls, except for the possible use of masonry at the bases. The Commission recommended strongly against the proposed glass enclosure of the bridge above the railroad tracks, suggesting instead that a decorative mesh be considered for providing the desired protection of the trains below.
The Commission delegated further review of the design to the staff, which is available to assist you with subsequent submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA Secretary
Heather Deutsch
Bicycle Program Specialist / Trail Planner
Transportation Policy and Planning Administration
District of Columbia Department of Transportation
2000 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009