IMGoph says: (2/11/08 1:35 PM)
well, i would definitely vote for alternative B. seems like alternative A is the stripped down version, and B is the one where they keep in the goodies.

those goodies include the traffic circles, an intersection redo at 295 and the suitland parkway, the MLK exit off the parkway, and making M and south capitol at grade.

i say this is something where the city should not take the short, easy way out, and should do it right the first time!

as for the type of bridge, i still don't know which of the 4 choices i like better...

rjm says: (2/11/08 6:55 PM)
I too like Alternative 2 for:
- the intersection redo at 295 and the suitland parkway.
- the MLK exit off the parkway.
- making M and south capitol at grade.

However, while the traffic circles look cool, and would be a great idea to handle less traffic, for the amount of traffic that uses S. Capitol, it would be most effective to keep traffic moving at a steady speed and use Alternative 1. One of the things that makes S. Capitol such a mess is traffic jams, especially during rush hour (and future ball games), and I think these circles would be major choke points and exacerbate backups. Plus, a regular intersection would be much easier to have police direct and expedite traffic through during Nats games.

So my vote is:

Alternative 3 -- a combination of 1 and 2.

rjm says: (2/11/08 7:16 PM)
I didn't even notice the 4 bridge choices. Thanks IMGoph!

My vote is the Cable Stayed.

The V-piers used in this design look similar to the new Wilson Bridge that look so smooth, modern, simple, and classy. The cables would give some needed eye candy for people looking out from the stadium, new riverfront park/trail, and some more uniqueness for shots from the blimp during the World Series.