RIA NE Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge Update

Hello Edgewood Neighbors!

For those who are curious about construction activity that has been taking place next to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station and adjacent to the Metropolitan Branch Trail, keep reading for a summary and construction activity update.  

The Rhode Island Avenue Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge will link the Metropolitan Branch Trail and its connecting neighborhoods to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station and adjacent communities. It will create a safe passageway for community members who currently use the Rhode Island Avenue underpass, which is narrow and dark, or who cross the active railroad tracks increasing access to transit and recreation for thousands of residents.

The truss bridge is designed in the style of an old railroad bridge. Ramps on both sides will provide wheelchair and bicycle access while a stairway on the west side will provide a more direct route. The open design will allow for visibility as well as beautiful city views and 24-hour lighting will enhance safety. The bridge will connect into the open section of the Metro station, providing connectivity even when the station is closed. The design is the result of unprecedented cooperation among numerous stakeholders including DDOT, WMATA, CSX, utility companies and the community.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES UPDATE FOR March 2014:

Crews are currently focused on drilling and preparation to install piers on the southeast side of the CSX railroad tracks adjacent to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station.  A shield has been installed to protect any potential impact to WMATA right of way areas.  The week of March 17^th will necessitate night work in this area. None of this work is expected to impact the travelling public. Please use caution when travelling along the Metropolitan Branch Trail in this area.  The bridge is projected to be completed on time or earlier than January 2015.    

Please visit the project website at http://rhodeislandavepedbridge.com for more info.  

-- 

Thomas Pipkin

Public Relations Liaison

CKI & Associates Inc.

__._,_.___

Spring is Here!!!

The sun is out and Spring is officially here (hopefully they are wrong about snow next week!). This is the perfect time for thinking about your garden and planting. This year Friends of Edgewood is doing an online fundraiser selling bulbs, seeds and garden items to raise money to support a neighborhood movie night event. 

It is an easy way to get items for beautifying your yard and neighborhood while supporting neighborhood events. Here is the website for orders and they deliver to your door!

http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/campaign?campaign_id=18808

For those of you that don't know Friends of Edgewood has been hosting monthly neighborhood cleanups for over five years now. We also have a community garden open to everyone for free (only rosemary available now- planting on April 12th if you want to join us). We are hoping to bring an outdoor movie night to the neighborhood so we have been fundraising with happy hours, yard sale and now plants. 

You can see more about what we do at our website here. Thanks for your support!

http://www.friendsofedgewoodrec.org

Rhode Island Avenue NE Streetscape Input

If you were not able to attend the Open House with DDOT this week you have the opportunity to provide feedback on designs online. Do it soon because it is only for a week that they are accepting more comments. 

The slide presentation for the Open House is now online as well as the concept alternatives. You have one week to provide us with feedback, after that our team will get to work on the final concepts.

To view the slide presentation and concept alternatives click on the link below:

http://rianortheast.com/

Neighborhood Happy Hour!!!

Join your neighbors and drink and eat for a good cause!!!