Hill Rag

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Bridging a Community

by: Susan Stockman

There has been a lot of talk lately about building bridges along the Anacostia Riverfront. Not in the physical sense – although, there is talk of those too – but mostly, the discussion is of bridges in the ideological sense. For the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Allen Miller, those bridges include partnerships with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Washington Naval District as he and others work to bring the proposed Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to fruition.

The proposed trail is a nearly continuous 20-mile bicycle and pedestrian pathway that would extend from Frederick Douglass Bridge at the entrance to Anacostia Park to Benning Rd., and from 11 th St. SE to Benning Rd.

“This has been an almost unprecedented partnership between DDOT and the Park Service,” said Miller, project director for the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI). The Riverwalk is one of the first projects funded under Mayor Anthony William’s plan to revitalize the District’s waterfront areas. The trail is just one component of a larger system of trails in the AWI that is expected to total almost 48 miles.

Bridging Communities

The Riverwalk Trail aims to connect residents to the riverfront safely and conveniently. Eventually, officials hope the trail will connect several neighborhoods, bridges and roads, as well as the Bladensburg Trail, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Anacostia Park, RFK Memorial Stadium and the Washington Naval Yard. Currently, a series of fragmented, informal trails exists, making access for residents inconsistent and difficult.

The Riverwalk, which been discussed for decades, began officially in 2002, with planning among DDOT, NPS, and Maryland authorities. A formal study began in April 2004.

When speaking about the project, Miller does little to hide his admiration for the connections he has built along the way. “This is really a testament to Mayor Williams and his vision. The success of the project is due to the people he put in place and the Park Service. It wouldn’t have worked with DDOT alone,” said Miller.

Bridging Education

John Imparato, community relations officer for the Washington Naval District, hopes the Riverwalk will be an opportunity to reconnect residents and tourists with the Navy Yard, which has existed in various capacities since 1799. He also hopes it will bring more visitors to the Naval museum, which has seen a decline in patrons since September 11, 2001, as visitors are now required to call one day before arriving. Though details are still being worked out, the Navy Yard, which has about 12, 000 people on base, plans to open its gates to the public and allow pedestrians and bikers to use the Navy’s existing promenade. The portion of the trail on Navy grounds will extend from 11 th St. SE to 6 th St. SE.

Imparato also hopes that the trail will spark new interest in the Anacostia waterfront. “This is an opportunity for people to see more of the river, to take an interest in the river, and maybe even help clean up the river,” he said.

NPS is still considering where to place stop points, overlooks and trail markers. According to Syphax, educational themes being considered for the trail include how the Anacostia region has changed over the last 100 years, various restoration projects and area wild life. “It’s going to be a wonderful amenity. We’ve talked about trails as long as I can remember, but this is a designated trail with various destinations,” said Syphax.

Bridges Over Troubled Water

While the bidding process on the construction of the trail is set to begin in July, officials are still ironing out several details. Most of the 20 miles along the waterfront belong to NPS, which raises the issue of who will maintain the trail. Also, in such sensitive areas as the Navy Yard, issues of security and safety remain.

Another point of contention has been the trail’s proximity to the CSX railroad tracks. Under the current proposal, the trail will cross the tracks in two areas. At the CSX Rail Yard, officials plan to build an overpass to go over the tracks. At M St., Miller said that CSX had tentatively agreed to allow the trail to cross the tracks at-grade, after installing signals and a gate. However, CSX recently denied approval for an at-grade crossing.

CSX officials would not comment specifically about the decision; however, CSX representative Bob Sullivan said, “In general, we believe that it is not wise to introduce new at-grade crossings. The issue is one of safety. The introduction increases the potential for accidents.”Miller said he hopes to persuade CSX to reconsider. “I just want to build something that’s safe and usable for the people of DC.” said Miller. DDOT hopes to begin construction in September and to complete portions of the trail within a year.


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The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
Bridging a Community
by: Susan Stockman
There has been a lot of talk lately about building bridges along the Anacostia Riverfront. Not in the physical sense – although, there is talk of those too – but mostly, the discussion is of bridges in the ideological sense. For the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Allen Miller, those bridges include partnerships with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Washington Naval District as he and others work to bring the proposed Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to fruition. The proposed trail is a nearly continuous 20-mile bicycle and pedestrian pathway that would extend from Frederick Douglass Bridge at the entrance to Anacostia Park to Benning Rd., and from 11 th St. SE to Benning Rd. “This has been an almost unprecedented partnership between DDOT and the Park Service,” said Miller, project director for the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI). The Riverwalk is one of the first projects funded under Mayor Anthony William’s plan to revitalize the District’s waterfront areas. The trail is just one component of a larger system of trails in the AWI that is expected to total almost 48 miles. Bridging Communities The Riverwalk Trail aims to connect residents to the riverfront safely and conveniently. Eventually, officials hope the trail will connect several neighborhoods, bridges and roads, as well as the Bladensburg Trail, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Anacostia Park, RFK Memorial Stadium and the Washington Naval Yard. Currently, a series of fragmented, informal trails exists, making access for residents inconsistent and difficult. The Riverwalk, which been discussed for decades, began officially in 2002, with planning among DDOT, NPS, and Maryland authorities. A formal study began in April 2004. When speaking about the project, Miller does little to hide his admiration for the connections he has built along the way. “This is really a testament to Mayor Williams and his vision. The success of the project is due to the people he put in place and the Park Service. It wouldn’t have worked with DDOT alone,” said Miller. Bridging Education John Imparato, community relations officer for the Washington Naval District, hopes the Riverwalk will be an opportunity to reconnect residents and tourists with the Navy Yard, which has existed in various capacities since 1799. He also hopes it will bring more visitors to the Naval museum, which has seen a decline in patrons since September 11, 2001, as visitors are now required to call one day before arriving. Though details are still being worked out, the Navy Yard, which has about 12, 000 people on base, plans to open its gates to the public and allow pedestrians and bikers to use the Navy’s existing promenade. The portion of the trail on Navy grounds will extend from 11 th St. SE to 6 th St. SE. Imparato also hopes that the trail will spark new interest in the Anacostia waterfront. “This is an opportunity for people to see more of the river, to take an interest in the river, and maybe even help clean up the river,” he said. NPS is still considering where to place stop points, overlooks and trail markers. According to Syphax, educational themes being considered for the trail include how the Anacostia region has changed over the last 100 years, various restoration projects and area wild life. “It’s going to be a wonderful amenity. We’ve talked about trails as long as I can remember, but this is a designated trail with various destinations,” said Syphax. Bridges Over Troubled Water While the bidding process on the construction of the trail is set to begin in July, officials are still ironing out several details. Most of the 20 miles along the waterfront belong to NPS, which raises the issue of who will maintain the trail. Also, in such sensitive areas as the Navy Yard, issues of security and safety remain. Another point of contention has been the trail’s proximity to the CSX railroad tracks. Under the current proposal, the trail will cross the tracks in two areas. At the CSX Rail Yard, officials plan to build an overpass to go over the tracks. At M St., Miller said that CSX had tentatively agreed to allow the trail to cross the tracks at-grade, after installing signals and a gate. However, CSX recently denied approval for an at-grade crossing. CSX officials would not comment specifically about the decision; however, CSX representative Bob Sullivan said, “In general, we believe that it is not wise to introduce new at-grade crossings. The issue is one of safety. The introduction increases the potential for accidents.”Miller said he hopes to persuade CSX to reconsider. “I just want to build something that’s safe and usable for the people of DC.” said Miller. DDOT hopes to begin construction in September and to complete portions of the trail within a year.