[Archived] City Settles Wilson Bridge Lawsuit; Settlement Benefits Alexandria with Design Improvements


News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:	Tuesday, February 9, 1999
Contact:	Amy Bertsch, City Manager's Office, (703) 838-4300

City Settles Wilson Bridge Lawsuit; Settlement Benefits Alexandria with Design Improvements

Tonight, the Alexandria City Council voted 4 to 3 to settle its lawsuit challenging the Woodrow Wilson Bridge replacement project. The settlement, announced at a City Council meeting this evening, calls for the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation to undertake specific measures designed to lessen the project's impact on the City. In return for these mitigation measures, the City is withdrawing its lawsuit, which was filed in January 1998 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The mitigation measures include building direct access ramps between the Beltway and the Eisenhower Valley, development of the urban deck surface and redevelopment of Jones Point Park in accord with certain design programs, a study of the elimination of the proposed Beltway exit ramp to Church Street, limitations on the width of the bridge crossing, and other improvements to reduce the impact of the project on Alexandria. The costs of the specific mitigation measures detailed in the settlement exceed $60 million.

Says Alexandria Mayor Kerry J. Donley, "The majority of Council Members believe that it is time to bring an end to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge litigation. While the Council continues to believe that a less intrusive, 10-lane replacement project is warranted, such a reduction in the project's scope will more likely result from decisions on project funding than from litigation."

Mayor Donley adds, "Very substantial benefits will accrue to the City from the settlement. Impacts of the project on Old Town and its historic resources will be reduced. Residents throughout the City will enjoy the recreational facilities to be built on the urban deck and in Jones Point Park. Access to Eisenhower Avenue will deliver Beltway vehicles directly to the Eisenhower Valley, significantly lessening traffic in other areas of the City. The reduction in width of the new bridge ensures that the new river crossing will not someday expand beyond the planned 12 lanes."

A copy of the Council resolution to settle the lawsuit, including a detailed list of all mitigation measures, is available from the City Clerk's Office.