South Clark-Bell Street Demolition

Construction Update – February 2020

North of 18th Street South, the contractor has placed topsoil in the green space area and has permanently closed the Bell Street ramp to the former Clark Street. To close the former Bell Street on-ramp, the contractor will install curb and gutter and sidewalk pavers in place of the old ramp opening.

South of 18th Street South, the contractor has stockpiled topsoil for placement between 18th Street and 20th Street. Remaining work in this area includes sidewalk replacement, curb replacement, and commercial entrance installations.

At the 20th Street South and Route 1 intersection, the contractor is scheduled to energize the new traffic signals on Friday, Feb. 14. The new traffic signals will not change the existing traffic pattern at the intersection. Arlington County Police will be present for the equipment switch over.

Location

South Clark-Bell Street from 12th Street South to 20th Street South

View Map

Status

Construction

The demolition project started in January 2018. Completion is scheduled for winter 2020.

See photos of the bridge demolition

What to expect during this project:

The at-grade portions of 14th Road South (between 12th and 15th Streets) and South Bell Street (between 15th and 18th Streets) will remain open throughout and after the demolition.
East-west pedestrian access under elevated Clark Street will be maintained throughout the duration of this project.

Press Release

About the Project

The South Clark-Bell Street Demolition project is a goal of both the Crystal City Sector Plan and Crystal City Multimodal Transportation Study. It will improve safety for all modes of transportation and will establish the long-term street grid for the north and south portions of Crystal City along with the 15th Street South/South Clark-Bell Street Realignment project.

The elevated portions of South Clark-Bell Street will be demolished north of 18th Street South. South of 18th Street, new open space will be created in the existing roadway right-of-way, and new sidewalks, landscaping and lighting along US Route 1 will be provided.

The project will also establish new building pad development sites for redevelopment of Crystal City, with the necessary infrastructure to transform the east side of the US Route 1 corridor in Crystal City.

At its Sept. 16, 2017, meeting, the County Board approved a $6.6 million contract with Neuber Environmental Services, Inc., to remove the elevated South Clark Street roadway.

The contractor permanently closed the roadway on Feb. 5, 2018. This closed the southbound elevated Clark Street structure between 12th and 20th Streets South, including two ramps and two bridge structures.