New Lane Place pedestrian bridge opens to public

WASHINGTON, DC ( DC News Now )–A pedestrian bridge destroyed over three years ago has reopened to the public.

The Lane Place pedestrian bridge crosses over D.C. 295, connecting Lane Place Northeast and Meade Street.

The old bridge collapsed in June 2021 after being struck by a truck. Since then, people have had to travel hundreds of yards in either direction to reach the other side of the road.

Emergency disaster funds totaling $17 million covered the cost of replacing the bridge, which is now taller, making it safer for trucks to travel underneath.

“More people will have access to go back and forth across this really, really busy highway,” said Monique Downs, a member of nearby Zion Baptist Church of Eastland Gardens.”It’s dangerous. And this will cut back on all kinds of accidents.”

The new span extends over both Kenilworth Avenue service roads, so people do not have to cross the access roads like they had to with the old structure.

There’s also new lighting and ramps to increase accessibility.

“I’m glad they reinforced it, and built a new one,” said Melanie Gibson, another church member. “It allows people to cross the intersection so they can get to the Metro. It’s definitely necessary.”

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