District of Columbia (DC) Mayor Muriel Bowser has broken ground on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge to be built over the Anacostia river in Washington, US.

The construction of the new bridge is part of the South Capitol Street Corridor Project, which is planned to be completed in two phases.

As part of the project, the 68-year-old Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge will be fully replaced, while the Suitland Parkway / I-295 interchange will be reconstructed.

A $441m contract has been awarded to South Capitol Bridgebuilders (SCB), a joint venture (JV) between Archer Western Construction and Granite Construction Company to complete the first phase of the project.

AECOM is acting as the lead designer for the JV, whereas HNTB is extending support to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) with programme and construction management.

Bowser said: “As we continue to create new opportunities and expand prosperity across all eight wards of the district, this new bridge will enhance the connection between Wards 8 and 6, with the bridge itself serving as a destination for our residents and visitors.

“The construction of the new bridge is part of the South Capitol Street Corridor Project, which is planned to be completed in two phases.”

“The project is already creating jobs for district residents, and once completed, the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge will have a tremendous impact on our city’s transportation network and economic growth.”

In addition to improving transit infrastructure between Anacostia and Downtown, the new bridge will connect South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue, and Q Street SW.

The new bridge is to replace the existing structure and will be built about 100ft from the existing bridge.

The new bridge design features three above-deck arches, two piers that will appear to float in the river, and four pedestrian overlooks.

Together with a new bridge, a new at-grade traffic oval will be constructed east and west of the river, while a new interchange will be located on Suitland Parkway and Firth Sterling Avenue.

Additionally, a two-way crossing especially for pedestrians and cyclists with a median blocking vehicular traffic will be constructed. Improvements to drainage and storm water management system have also been planned.

The bridge is expected to become operational by 2021.