Sunday, August 10, 2008

Two Things Challenge: Over / Under

Key Bridge over the Potomac River

This week's Two Things Challenge was Over / Under. I chose as my subject Key Bridge. Located at the northern end of Georgetown, Key Bridge was built between 1917 and 1923 by the Army Corps of Engineers and connects the District of Columbia on the northern side with the Commonwealth of Virginia on the southern side. Named for Francis Scott Key, author of "The Star-Spangled Banner", it is one of five bridges that cross the Potomac into the District from Virginia and vice versa.

Standing under Key Bridge, looking up

In addition, to the north of Key Bridge is Chain Bridge. South of Key Bridge is Roosevelt Bridge, Memorial Bridge, and the 14th Street Bridge. According to Wikipedia, when Key Bridge is congested, as it often is, some people refer to it as the "Car Strangled Spanner." I think that's a great name for it, but it hasn't really caught on. Shame really. A lot of people who work in D.C., but live in Virginia, walk home along this beautiful bridge. Unlike other bridges in the U.S., which are a magnet for the suicidal, this one is relatively lacking in notoriety. Occasionally someone will take a dive off of it, but thankfully it's quite rare.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 08/08

13 comments:

marley said...

Great photos for the challeng. The colours are nice.

The Artful Eye said...

Beautiful bridge! I wish I could walk over a bridge on my way home from work or ride a bike. There seems to be so many wonderful ways to commute in that area. If there was no humidity I'd move. HA..it's even humid here lately.

What is that I see in the center column of the bridge. Is it a decorative element or something to keep the birds from perching?

The Artful Eye said...

I took another look and I'm afraid I'm going to guess- graffiti?

Janet Kincaid said...

Marley: Thanks! Okay, straight up, my goal is to entice you to participate in this challenge. I think you'd be a great contributor. I'm just sayin'...


Andrea: This and the Memorial Bridge are the nicest bridges in this area. Memorial Bridge is also pedestrian friendly and you see lots of walkers and joggers on it. As for the artistic element, it is, as you feared, graffiti.

Virginia said...

These my friend are both outstanding. The color, the perspective, I like them a LOT> I wimped out. See my comments on Duty Lens' blog. I am in next week no matter what the theme is.
Hope you and Dad got your yard all spiffy.

Janet Kincaid said...

Virginia: I think you'll like this week's theme: Window/Shop!

Greyhound Girl said...

Such pretty photos- and the colors are lovely.

Uma por Dia said...

Great choise for the theme!
Love the reflexion!

Janet Kincaid said...

Prof: Thanks! I really like the colors, too. Especially in the first one.

Mary Jo: Thank you! The reflection was a pleasant surprise for me.

Maya said...

That top photo is wonderful. I love the color and reflection. I like bridges for this challenge!

Janet Kincaid said...

Maya: Thanks! I like the top one, too.

Rob said...

Fabulous photos for this challenge! I really enjoy these arched bridges. Beautiful and perfectly done!

Janet Kincaid said...

Rob: Thanks! I really wanted to do something a little less cliche, but this bridge is too pretty to pass up.