Future of the Gardiner Expressway - Nanos Research

Case StudiesDo NothingWhitehurst Freeway, Washington, D.C.BackgroundThe Whitehurst Freeway is a 1.2 kilometer(0.75 mile) four-lane elevated highway in theGeorgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C.The District Department of Transportation(DDOT) initiated in 2005 replacement studiesfor the Whitehurst, seven years followinga major renovation. The Mayor abruptlydiscontinued DDOT’s studies in 2007.Georgetown is a medium density mixed-useneighborhood northwest of downtown D.C.The Whitehurst Freeway was constructedin 1949 along the Potomac River, whichforms Georgetown’s southern edge. 45,000drivers use the highway daily, many of whichcommute downtown from northwest D.C.,Maryland, and Virginia. A significant linkexists at the Whitehurst’s western end whereit meets Francis Scott Key Bridge, whichconnects to Virginia.A 10-acre park, Georgetown Waterfront Park,was constructed by the National Park Servicein the mid-2000s along the Potomac River inthe area riverside of the Whitehurst Freeway.Urban DesignThe Whitehurst’s neighborhood impact isparticularly accentuated by the developmentof the new waterfront park. Whereas thesurrounding area was characterized bylumberyards and meat packing plants whenthe Whitehurst was constructed, todayGeorgetown is a gentrified, mixed-useneighborhood.The freeway poses a barrier for pedestrianconnections. Just a single transportationmode – automobile – is accommodated alongthe waterfront. Additionally, real estate valuesthat might benefit from the new park arediminished by the Whitehurst’s proximity.The DDOT study focused most specificallyon accommodating peak traffic volumes.Preserving river views and improvingpedestrian connections were project objectives,but urban design was not a significantconsideration. In fact, DDOT’s emphasison traffic appears to have focused publicattention on congestion, distracting dialoguefrom potential design benefits.The Whitehurst Freeway along the Potomac River.48Future of the Gardiner Expressway