Interstate 295 is the southern half of the Anacostia Freeway in southern Washington, District of Columbia. The designation terminates where the Southeast Freeway from downtown merges. At this interchange, Interstate 295 becomes the District of Columbia's only signed "district" route, District of Columbia 295.
At its southern terminus, Interstate 295 ends in Oxon Hill or Fort Washington, Maryland, not Indian Head. C. Patrick Zilliacus writes that Indian End is located in the next county south and is where Maryland 210/Indian Head Highway ends. Interstate 295 comes to an end at Interstate 95/495 (Capital Beltway), but the freeway and directional signage for Interstate 295 appear for another half-mile to the south, where its lanes merge with Maryland 210 southbound (with no access to the north). Going the other way, the lanes to Interstate 295 north split off to the right (and take traffic to D.C. only). Maryland DOT/SHA has recently modified the signs on Interstate 295 southbound to read "Maryland 210 South - Indian Head" instead of "Interstate 295 South - Indian Head."
Washington, D.C., has several freeway construction plans that never materialized. Included in this are several freeway proposals to connect the center of the district with the suburbs to the north as well as an east-west freeway connection. Some of these freeway proposals include:
Interstate 95 was originally planned to run through the district, via Interstate 395 to U.S. 50, then north along a new alignment that would link with existing northern Interstate 95 interchange with the Capital Beltway.
Interstate 270 was planned for an extension from its current southern terminus at the Capital Beltway/Interstate 495 into downtown Washington roughly parallel to Maryland 355 (Old U.S. 240).
Interstate 66 was planned for an extension from U.S. 29 east to Interstate 95, with connections to the U.S. 50 freeway en route to Annapolis.
In early plans, Interstate 295 was proposed to go north of its interchange with Interstate 695 to meet the never-built Interstate 95 along a new alignment through the northeastern portion of District of Columbia. These original Interstate 295 extension plans were curtailed, and a later proposal called for Interstate 295 to be extended via the Barney Circle Freeway, which would take Interstate 295 to the west side of the Anacostia River before returning to District of Columbia Route 295 near the Maryland State Line.
Barney Circle Freeway
Interstate 295 was planned for extension eastward via the Barney Circle Freeway, which would extend the Southeast Freeway northeast to meet District of Columbia 295 near Kenilworth Avenue and East Capitol Street via a new Anacostia River Bridge. This extension was championed by the federal government but disapproved by local government, and it was killed in 1996.
Although seen on some maps as an easterly extension of Interstate 695, the Barney Circle Freeway was listed in the Federal Highway Administration Interstate Route Log and Finder's List as part of Interstate 295. Therefore, we consider the Barney Circle Freeway an unconstructed part of Interstate 295. This is logical, because the Barney Circle Freeway would have rejoined District of Columbia Route 295 near the U.S. 50 interchange, thus creating an Interstate-standard, north-south route skirting the east edge of the district.
Also, some older maps actually show the designation of Interstate 295 running northward on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (designated as Maryland 295 north of the National Park Service segment) to Baltimore. This is not the case, because the parkway is not Interstate standard. In addition, certain trucks are prohibited from using parts of the parkway.
Source: October 31, 2002 Interstate Route Log and Finders List. NOTE - a portion of the mileage allocated to Interstate 295 in the District of Columbia is for the unbuilt and canceled Barney Circle Freeway.
Interstate 295 Annual Average Daily Traffic
Jurisdiction
From
To
AADT Composite
Year
Prince Georges
Maryland 210
Interstate 95/495
37,625
2002
Prince Georges
Interstate 95/495
D.C. line
76,125
2002
D.C.
MD state line
Overlook Avenue
75,000
2000
D.C.
Overlook Avenue
Macolm X Avenue
80,000
2000
D.C.
Macolm X Avenue
Suitland Parkway
80,000
2000
D.C.
Suitland Parkway
Interstate 695
93,300
2000
District of Columbia 295
D.C.
Interstate 295
Pennsylvania Avenue
77,600
2000
D.C.
Pennsylvania Avenue
East Capital Street
77,100
2000
Pennsylvania Avenue
D.C.
West end Anacostia River Bridge
District of Columbia 295
93,000
2000
Source: 2000 Traffic Volumes (District Division of Transportation -
Traffic Services Division, Washington, D.C.)
2002 AADTS Report (Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration - Highway Information
Services Division)
Southbound Interstate 295 at the junction with Interstate 95/495. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman/Andy Field (10/01).
Interstate 295 south at Interstate 95. The sign on the left has been replaced with a Maryland 210 sign. Vidcap taken by Alex Nitzman (2/99).
End signage installed along Interstate 295 southbound. Vidcap taken by Alex Nitzman (2/99).
Transition from Interstate 295 to Maryland 210 at the Eastbound Interstate 95/495 ramp. The lefthand panel used to include a Interstate 295 shield. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman/Andy Field (10/01).
The Maryland 210 freeway spur continues South and East, paralleling Interstate 95/495, before curving and merging with the Indian Head Highway (Maryland 210 as well). This photo looks Northbound on Maryland 210, and the split with the spur to Interstate 295. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman/Andy Field (10/01).
Perspective from Interstate 95 north and Interstate 495/Capital Beltway outer loop
Interstate 295 signage along Interstate 95 northbound and Interstate 495/Capital Beltway outer loop. Recent signage changes indicate that Interstate 295 terminates at Interstate 95, with the short freeway section to Indian Head signed as Maryland 210. This interchange was completely reconstructed as part of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge reconstruction project. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/12/05).
Now on the transition ramp from Interstate 95 northbound and Interstate 495/Washington Beltway outer loop to Interstate 295 north, the ramp will split, with the left lane connecting to southbound Maryland 210 and the right lane connecting to northbound Interstate 295 to Washington, D.C. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/12/05).
Perspective from Interstate 95 south and Interstate 495/Capital Beltway inner loop
This mileage sign on the inner loop of the Capital Beltway (southbound Interstate 95 and Interstate 495) provides the distance to Exits 3B-A, Junction Maryland 210 (Indian Head Highway); Exit 2, Junction Interstate 295/Anacostia Freeway north; and Exit 177, Junction U.S. 1/Richmond Highway in Alexandria, Virginia (4.75 miles). Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/17/05).
The inner loop of the Capital Beltway (southbound Interstate 95 and Interstate 495) meets Maryland 210 (Indian Head Highway) at Exits 3B-A, then approaches Exit 2, Junction Interstate 295/Anacostia Freeway north. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/17/05).
Southbound Interstate 95 and Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) reach Exit 3A, Junction Maryland 210 (Indian Head Highway) south to Oxon Hill and Indian Head. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/17/05).
This reassurance shield assembly is posted immediately after the Maryland 210 interchange. Note the "inner loop" reassurance marker for the Capital Beltway. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/17/05).
The next exit on southbound Interstate 95 and Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway) is Exit 2, Junction Interstate 295/Anacostia Freeway north. These older signs have since been replaced, but they are notable for showing the old "Interstate 95 Beltway" pull-through sign. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/17/05).
Southbound Interstate 95 and Interstate 495 reaches Exit 2, Junction Interstate 295/Anacostia Freeway north. Interstate 295 travels north into the District of Columbia almost immediately after leaving this interchange, and it follows the Anacostia Freeway north until it crosses the Anacostia River and ends at unsigned Interstate 695/Southeast Freeway. Plans were for Interstate 295 to continue north along the "Barney Circle Freeway," but that extension to the U.S. 50/New York Avenue was never constructed. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/17/05).
Heavy traffic dominated the morning commute as the inner loop of the Capital Beltway (southbound Interstate 95 and Interstate 495) passes through the Interstate 295/Anacostia Freeway interchange. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge is ahead; it carries Interstate 95-495/Capital Beltway over the Potomac River and connects the beltway with Alexandria, Virginia. The bridge is unique in that it connects Maryland with Virginia while passing through a corner of the District of Columbia. Current construction activities will result in replacement and expansion of the well-traveled bridge. Photo taken by Alex Nitzman (06/17/05).
Perspective from Maryland 210 north
Now traveling north on Maryland 210/Indian Head Highway, a ramp connects to both directions of Interstate 95-495/Capital Beltway and to Interstate 295/Anacostia Freeway north. Photo taken by Chris Elbert (07/06).
The right two lanes transition from Maryland 210/Indian Head Highway north to Interstate 295 north and Interstate 95-495 north to Baltimore, while a loop ramp (ahead) connects Interstate 95-495/Capital Beltway west to Alexandria and Richmond. At the top of the ramp, the left lane will split toward Interstate 295 north, while the right lane transitions toward Interstate 95-495 north. Photo taken by Chris Elbert (07/06).
Perspective from Interstate 295 north
After traffic from Maryland 210 and the Capital Beltway merge together on the Anacostia Freeway, this is the first shield on northbound Interstate 295 after the Interstate 95-495/Capital Beltway interchange near Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/12/05).
Northern Terminus - Interstate 695/District of Columbia 295/Pennsylvania Avenue - Washington, District of Columbia
Perspective from Interstate 295 and District of Columbia 295 north
A "BEGIN" District of Columbia 295 shield is posted on the left side of the sign bridge as northbound Interstate 295 approaches the connection from the Anacostia Freeway to the Southeast Freeway en route to downtown Washington, D.C. The continuation of Interstate 295 is now signed as "To Interstate 395." The left two lanes continue north on District of Columbia 295 to connect to U.S. 50 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (which in turn connects back to Interstate 95). Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/12/05).
Northbound Interstate 295 and District of Columbia 295 split at this interchange: the right lanes carry Interstate 295 northwest over the Anacostia River to secret Interstate 695 via Exit 4, while the district route continues north along the mainline Anacostia Freeway. Interstate 295 crosses over the Anacostia River via the 11th Street Bridge, then immediately meets secret Interstate 695. The ramp to eastbound Interstate 695 is signed for Pennsylvania Avenue (not signed here), while mainline Interstate 295 north merges onto Interstate 695/Southeast Freeway without an END shield. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (08/12/05).
Perspective from Baltimore-Washington Parkway south
At the junction of U.S. 50 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway just outside the city limits is this directional sign indicating the beginning of Interstate 295. Vidcap taken by Alex Nitzman (2/99).
Perspective from District of Columbia 295 south
This begin Interstate 295 overhead is located on southbound District of Columbia 295 as the Anacostia Freeway prepares to merge with the Southeast Freeway. The Southeast Freeway carries Interstate 295 from the Interstate 695 connector southeast over the Anacostia River via the 11th Street bridges. Photos taken by Alex Nitzman (02/99) and AARoads (10/01).
Just past the overhead "begin" sign is this second "begin Interstate 295" sign (out of focus to the right). Photo taken by AARoads (10/01).
Perspective from Interstate 295 south
Interstate 295 signage along the Southeast Freeway near the Washington Navy Yard. Some older maps show this section also as Interstate 295, or as Interstate 695. However, this route is unsigned, only carrying To Interstate 295 or To Interstate 395 designations. Vidcap taken by Alex Nitzman (05/95).
Perspective from Interstate 695 east
As this diagrammatical overhead displays, the mainline of Interstate 695 defaults onto Pennsylvania Avenue eastbound. Interstate 695 is known as the Southeast Freeway as well, with that distinction branching to the southeast onto Interstate 295 south/Anacostia Freeway. Photo taken by Andy Field (06/02/03).
Just north of the Washington Navy Yard, Interstate 695 prepares to split into branches to Pennsylvania Avenue east and to Interstate 295 south and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue. Photo taken by Andy Field (06/02/03).
Continuing on the Pennsylvania Avenue eastbound branch of Interstate 695. Plans called for this stub to connect to the unconstructed Interstate 295/Barney Circle Freeway, but that freeway has been canceled. The stack interchange in the background is with the Southeast Freeway to Interstate 295 and Martin Luther King Jr Avenue. Photo taken by Andy Field (06/02/03).
