WASHINGTON, DC—In response to a request from the developer ofthe $1.5-billion Capitol Crossing project, theFederal Highway Administration says that a studyis necessary before it would even consider shutting down about amile of I-395 to expedite construction.

“Closing I-395, a facility that carries 90,000 vehicles per day,was not considered during the environmental review process (of theCapitol Crossing project),” states Joseph C.Lawson, a division administrator with FHWA in a letter toDistrict Department of Transportation Director Matthew Brown. “Inorder to consider closing the facility, DDOT would be required toperform an appropriate environmental review to determine theimpacts to the human and natural environment.”

New York-based Property Group Partners says aclosure of the section of I-395 for a period of 15 to 18 monthscould halve the construction time of a $200-million deck over thefreeway's entrance that would support the 2.2 million-square-footCapitol Crossing project, according to the Washington Post.