Federal lawmakers are responsible for funding the repairs.
Plagued by political quarrels, it took 46 years for the Arlington Memorial Bridge to begin construction. And now the bridge, which defines the western end of the National Mall, is the center of another political debate – infrastructure investment.
Federal officials on Friday announced lane closures and load limits for the bridge effective immediately and indefinitely, all but guaranteeing a horrendous commute for the thousands cross the bridge every day into Washington, D.C.
The irony isn’t lost on some federal administrators and lawmakers. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) notes that the United States Congress is completely responsible for funding infrastructure improvements to sites like the Memorial Bridge. Norton told WTOP:
“This is going to be a major headache for the region. You ought to be real mad when you can’t get across that bridge to get to work. You’re going to be late, later than ever. Cutting down lanes on the Memorial Bridge in this region is like taking out one of our subway lines.”
At Memorial Bridge w @timkaine, @EleanorNorton, @SecretaryJewell, @SecretaryFoxx, and @NatlParkService Dir. Jarvis. pic.twitter.com/exOcEBLB7t
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) June 1, 2015
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, National Park Service Director John Jarvis, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) on Monday called on Congress to pass a long-term infrastructure bill. Additionally, Rep. Norton introduced legislation to increase funding for transportation sites managed by the National Park Service.
More than 2.5 million new jobs would be created by a long-term transportation bill worth $114 billion annually. Each $1 billion in infrastructure investment creates more than 21,000 new jobs.
But Congress just passed the 32nd short-term extension for the Highway Trust Fund. Here’s to hoping history doesn’t repeat itself this July.