Here, high above Klingle Valley, stands a testament to thoughtful urban design. The Klingle Valley Bridge. Officially named the Connecticut Avenue Bridge, it connects Cleveland Park and Woodley Park. But its story goes beyond mere connection.
This isn’t the first bridge to span this valley. An earlier one, built around 1890, facilitated the streetcar suburb of Chevy Chase. Real estate developer Francis Newlands envisioned this expansion.
By the 1930s, that earlier bridge was insufficient. Connecticut Avenue became a major artery. A new bridge was needed to accommodate increased traffic. So, in 1931, construction began on the Klingle Valley Bridge we see today. It finished in January 1932.
The Klingle Valley Bridge had to serve many purposes. It needed to carry heavier loads. It had to accommodate cars, buses, and streetcars. It also needed to carry essential utilities like water, power, and telephone lines.
Engineer Ralph Modjeski and architect Paul Philippe Cret collaborated on the design. They created a practical yet visually appealing structure. The Klingle Valley Bridge complements the natural beauty of the valley. Its design incorporates Art Deco elements. Look for the chevron patterns on the railings. Admire the eight lanterns atop stone pedestals. The bronzework has aged gracefully, turning a bluish-green. Pennsylvania sandstone and Indiana limestone compose the masonry.
The Klingle Valley Bridge once supported streetcar lines. The streetlamps served as trolley poles. Supplying electricity to the streetcars. At the time, its 250-foot steel arch was the longest in D.C.
The Klingle Valley Bridge has witnessed many changes. The streetcars disappeared in the 1960s. The Metro’s Red Line construction occurred in the 1970s. The Klingle Valley Bridge stood strong. Guardrails were added. Light fixtures were repaired.
In 1991, a flood damaged Klingle Road in the valley below. The road closed to automobile traffic. After years of debate, it reopened in 2017. Now known as the Klingle Valley Trail, it welcomes foot traffic.
The Klingle Valley Bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a symbol of urban planning and community connection. On May 21, 2004, it earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as a contributing property to the Cleveland Park Historic District.
As you stand here, consider the history beneath your feet. Appreciate the bridge’s design. Recognize its role in shaping the city. The Klingle Valley Bridge connects neighborhoods and also connects us to the past.