Duke Ellington Bridge

The Duke Ellington Bridge is a road bridge in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C., connecting two elevated areas of the city. Three concrete arches support the span and are finished with Indiana limestone cladding, giving it a light stone appearance.

An earlier steel trestle bridge from 1891 originally crossed this site before being replaced by the current stone arch structure. Construction finished in 1935 as part of a larger parkway development project designed to improve traffic flow and connect neighborhoods.

Four relief sculptures by Leon Hermant adorn the bridge supports, each depicting a different form of transport: rail, water, air, and automobile. These artworks reflect the technological optimism of the era when the bridge was built.

The bridge welcomes both pedestrians and vehicles, with sidewalks on both sides providing safe walking space. The concrete construction holds up well in all seasons, making it straightforward to cross regardless of weather.

Metal railings were added during the 1980s to enhance pedestrian safety, a modification that became a standard improvement across the city's bridges. This addition reflects how the structure continues to evolve to meet modern safety expectations.

Location: Washington, D.C.

GPS coordinates: 38.92333,-77.04833

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42