- State:
- WASHINGTON-DC
- Site Type:
- Infrastructure and Utilities, Roads, Bridges, and Tunnels
- New Deal Agencies:
- District of Columbia Commissioners (DC only), Territories & Reservations
- Started:
- 1939
- Completed:
- 1940
- Designer:
- Herbert C. Whitehurst
- Contractor:
- Penker Construction
- Quality of Information:
- Very Good
- Site Survival:
- Extant
Description
The John Philip Sousa Bridge carries Pennsylvania Avenue across the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. It was built in 1939-40 during the New Deal and named after the famous American marching band composer, who grew up nearby.
Agitation for a new bridge began in earnest in 1934 but met continuing opposition in Congress throughout the decade (DC government is officially a creature of the federal government). Funds for a new bridge finally won approval in 1938 and were included as part of the District of Columbia Commissioners allocation in the federal budget of that year.
The first span opened in late 1939 and the second span (where the old bridge had stood) was dedicated in early 1941.
Source notes
“Capital’s Biggest Building Program Promises A Boon By Spring: Expenditures May Reach $200,000,000,” Washington Post, November 27, 1938.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Philip_Sousa_Bridge
Site originally submitted by Brent McKee - wpatoday.org on June 6, 2013.
Additional contributions by Richard A Walker.
Site Details
| Federal Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| $1,800,000.00 | $1,800,000.00 |
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