In a few years, Arlington’s Long Bridge, which runs from Crystal City to Long Bridge Park, might be the newest walkable route to D.C.
A proposed extension, from a half mile to a mile, would allow easier access to D.C. for pedestrians and cyclists, who currently use the Mount Vernon Trail.
Friends of Long Bridge Park’s president, Eric Cassel, says the Mount Vernon Trail is especially difficult for tourists to navigate. The straight and wide Long Bridge, Cassel says, would be a better alternative.
“With this, there would be a straight shot and you could easily walk, for example, to the [National Mall] for major events or anything like that. You can easily walk there,” said Cassel, who can walk from his home in Crystal City to Long Bridge Park in just 15 minutes.
Cassel isn’t the only one who’s a fan of the plan — Governor Ralph Northam is reportedly a proponent of the future Long Bridge. The Virginia Department of Railroads, the Maryland Department of Railroads, and D-Dot have also voiced their approval.
It’s all about getting the funding. Cassel says a railroad bridge to accommodate the railroad tracks running parallel to the Long Bridge, would cost about $1.6 billion.
Cassel says an environmental impact statement is in the works.
