Confronted with a fast-deteriorating bridge that has spanned the Anacostia River for decades, District officials say they are planning a new $660 million structure that will be a pivotal entryway to the city’s core.

Mayor Vincent Gray said his administration’s plan to replace the existing Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, which allows South Capitol Street Southeast to run from near Buzzard Point into Anacostia (see embedded map below), would ultimately save taxpayers millions, but he acknowledged the steep price upfront.