Meet the New Anacostia Riverwalk Trail: Soon to Be Gap-Free!

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is one of the city's greatest resources for bikers. It also has a nasty habit of disappearing without warning—on a recent ride, I suddenly found myself approaching a ramp that simply ended in midair (similar to what Mike Daisey describes witnessing in China, only, you know, real).

Anyway, today the trail is one step closer to completion with the unveiling of the design of what's to be its final link, connecting the District to Bladensburg, Md. That'll not only mean quicker commutes for some D.C.-bound bikers—though I'm skeptical of the advertised 30-minute reduction in travel times—but will make it possible to bike conveniently along the prettiest stretch of the Anacostia.

Mayor Vince Gray, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, and U.S. Senator Ben Cardin were among those present at the unveiling. The project is expected to cost $15 million, funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the state of Maryland, and the D.C. government. Construction is set to begin in the spring.

Now, the eye candy. Take a look at some renderings of the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens segment of the soon-to-be 20-mile trail:

Renderings courtesy of Anacostia Waterfront Initiative