U.S. 50

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U.S. 50

U.S. 50 enters the district on a freeway overlapped with Interstate 66 across the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge from Arlington, Virginia. The route leads east along the National Mall on Constitution Avenue NW from the I-66 northward turn to George Washington University.

Between 23rd Street and 17th Street, U.S. 50 passes by some of the most fabled architecture and grounds in the country. To the south of U.S. 50 is the National Mall, a large park that extends from the Potomac River and Lincoln Memorial east past the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument, the tallest structure in Downtown Washington. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and D.C. War Memorial are all located toward the west end of the Mall. A variety of museums occupy the National Mall east of U.S. 1 (14th Street), until the Mall reaches the U.S. Capitol, home to the Senate and House of Representatives.

Combining with U.S. 1, U.S. 50 turns north onto 6th Street NW for New York Avenue east. New York Avenue accommodates six lanes of travel with a 35 mile per hour speed limit to a freeway taking U.S. 50 east to the John Hanson Highway to Annapolis, Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Historically U.S. 50 followed Independence Avenue east from the Lincoln Memorial area along the south side of the National Mall. This route passed by the United State Capitol to a couplet with 4th and 6th Streets NE to Maryland Avenue. Maryland Avenue, later part of an alignment with U.S. 1 Alternate, took U.S. 50 northeast to Bladensburg Road and New York Avenue NE east from the district.

U.S. 50 East
U.S. 50 east transitions from the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge onto Constitution Avenue. This assembly was the standard D.C. route marker for a US Highway until the 2000s.

U.S. 50 east transitions from the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge onto Constitution Avenue. This assembly was the standard D.C. route marker for a US Highway until the 2000s.

06/01/04

U.S. 50 joins Constitution Avenue east at 23rd Street NW and the National Mall.

U.S. 50 joins Constitution Avenue east at 23rd Street NW and the National Mall.

06/01/04

U.S. 50 (Constitution Avenue NW) east at 17th Street NW. 17th Street NW travels north from Independence Avenue SW and the National World War II Memorial to Connecticut Avenue and U.S. 29 (K Street).
2 photos

U.S. 50 (Constitution Avenue NW) east at 17th Street NW. 17th Street NW travels north from Independence Avenue SW and the National World War II Memorial to Connecticut Avenue and U.S. 29 (K Street).

08/01/05

You may have missed it, but between 23rd Street and 14th Street, U.S. 50 passes by the White House, the Ellipse, and the Zero Milestone. Find a place to park and explore this area! As for U.S. 50 (Constitution Avenue) east, it approaches U.S. 1 (14th Street) South to the southeast of the White House. This U.S. 1 shield had a previous life as a U.S. 29 shield; the faded numbers were visible in this photo. The two left lanes allow for left turns onto 14th Street northbound; this is one of the few permissible left turns along this section of Constitution Avenue. The U.S. 1 sign pictured here was removed after 2011. The U.S. 1 merge with U.S. 50 east along Constitution Avenue is basically unsigned now, as is the junction with U.S. 1 from U.S. 50 east.

You may have missed it, but between 23rd Street and 14th Street, U.S. 50 passes by the White House, the Ellipse, and the Zero Milestone. Find a place to park and explore this area! As for U.S. 50 (Constitution Avenue) east, it approaches U.S. 1 (14th Street) South to the southeast of the White House.
This U.S. 1 shield had a previous life as a U.S. 29 shield; the faded numbers were visible in this photo. The two left lanes allow for left turns onto 14th Street northbound; this is one of the few permissible left turns along this section of Constitution Avenue.
The U.S. 1 sign pictured here was removed after 2011. The U.S. 1 merge with U.S. 50 east along Constitution Avenue is basically unsigned now, as is the junction with U.S. 1 from U.S. 50 east.

06/01/04

The intersection for 14th Street NW (U.S. 1 South) is just ahead. The building on the left is the Customs Service. To the south of Constitution Avenue and east of 14th Street is the continuation of National Mall. Several museums, including the Smithsonian, National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, and National Museum of American History are located around the Mall along this stretch.

The intersection for 14th Street NW (U.S. 1 South) is just ahead. The building on the left is the Customs Service. To the south of Constitution Avenue and east of 14th Street is the continuation of National Mall. Several museums, including the Smithsonian, National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, and National Museum of American History are located around the Mall along this stretch.

06/01/04

U.S. 50 (Constitution Avenue SW) east at U.S. 1 (14th Street SW) south. This guide sign partitions travelers bound for Interstate 395. U.S. 1 follows 14th Street SW directly onto I-395 at East Potomac Park. The only northbound on-ramp to I-395 from Downtown Washington is via Washington Avenue SW at D Street SW, which requires a drive on Constitution Avenue east to Pennsylvania Avenue east, 3rd Street south, and Independence Avenue east to reach.

U.S. 50 (Constitution Avenue SW) east at U.S. 1 (14th Street SW) south. This guide sign partitions travelers bound for Interstate 395. U.S. 1 follows 14th Street SW directly onto I-395 at East Potomac Park. The only northbound on-ramp to I-395 from Downtown Washington is via Washington Avenue SW at D Street SW, which requires a drive on Constitution Avenue east to Pennsylvania Avenue east, 3rd Street south, and Independence Avenue east to reach.

08/01/05

U.S. 1 North U.S. 50 East
U.S. 1 and U.S. 50 leave Constitution Avenue NW for 6th Street NW north to New York Avenue NW. This lone remaining sign for U.S. 50 was removed after 2011, leaving no indication that the US highway pair turn here.

U.S. 1 and U.S. 50 leave Constitution Avenue NW for 6th Street NW north to New York Avenue NW. This lone remaining sign for U.S. 50 was removed after 2011, leaving no indication that the US highway pair turn here.

07/05/10

Removed by 2022, substandard signs at 6th Street NW and Massachusetts Avenue NW previously referenced New York Avenue, where U.S. 50 turns east toward Baltimore Washington Parkway.

Removed by 2022, substandard signs at 6th Street NW and Massachusetts Avenue NW previously referenced New York Avenue, where U.S. 50 turns east toward Baltimore Washington Parkway.

12/16/16

Removed trailblazer for I-95 at 6th Street NW and K Street NW. I-95 was dropped along the Center Leg Freeway in 1977, leaving New York Avenue east to the Baltimore Washington Parkway as the connection from I-395 north to I-95 north.

Removed trailblazer for I-95 at 6th Street NW and K Street NW. I-95 was dropped along the Center Leg Freeway in 1977, leaving New York Avenue east to the Baltimore Washington Parkway as the connection from I-395 north to I-95 north.

06/01/04

U.S. 50 turns east from U.S. 1 (6th Street NW) onto New York Avenue NW. Neither route is marked in advance or at this intersection. U.S. 50 travels to Cheverly, Maryland while U.S. 1 continues north to Rhode Island Avenue NW.

U.S. 50 turns east from U.S. 1 (6th Street NW) onto New York Avenue NW. Neither route is marked in advance or at this intersection. U.S. 50 travels to Cheverly, Maryland while U.S. 1 continues north to Rhode Island Avenue NW.

12/16/16

U.S. 50 East
U.S. 50 (New York Avenue NW) intersects 5th Street NW between split sections of L Street NW.

U.S. 50 (New York Avenue NW) intersects 5th Street NW between split sections of L Street NW.

12/16/16

Advancing east from 5th Street NW, U.S. 50 (New York Avenue NW) next intersects 4th Street NW at the southbound beginning of I-395 (Center Leg Freeway).

Advancing east from 5th Street NW, U.S. 50 (New York Avenue NW) next intersects 4th Street NW at the southbound beginning of I-395 (Center Leg Freeway).

12/16/16

The confirming marker for U.S. 50 east at New York Avenue NW and L Street NW was removed in 2017.

The confirming marker for U.S. 50 east at New York Avenue NW and L Street NW was removed in 2017.

12/16/16

I-395 heads south through the Third Street Tunnel, which is limited to vehicles below a clearance of 13 feet 0 inches. The northernmost portion of the Center Leg Freeway was not completed until 1987.

I-395 heads south through the Third Street Tunnel, which is limited to vehicles below a clearance of 13 feet 0 inches. The northernmost portion of the Center Leg Freeway was not completed until 1987.

12/16/16

The Center Leg Freeway ties into the Southwest and Southeast (I-695) freeways beyond the Mall Tunnel.

The Center Leg Freeway ties into the Southwest and Southeast (I-695) freeways beyond the Mall Tunnel.

12/16/16

Proposed numbering changes approved by AASHTO in November 2020 designate the Center Leg Freeway as I-195 and and the Southeast Freeway as I-395 in place of I-695.

Proposed numbering changes approved by AASHTO in November 2020 designate the Center Leg Freeway as I-195 and and the Southeast Freeway as I-395 in place of I-695.

12/16/16

The north end of I-395 defaults onto U.S. 50 (New York Avenue NW) ahead of New Jersey Avenue NW.

The north end of I-395 defaults onto U.S. 50 (New York Avenue NW) ahead of New Jersey Avenue NW.

08/04/13

New York Avenue angles northeast from I-395 between the Truxton Circle and the North Capitol Street neighborhoods. 1st Street NW intersects U.S. 50 in this scene.

New York Avenue angles northeast from I-395 between the Truxton Circle and the North Capitol Street neighborhoods. 1st Street NW intersects U.S. 50 in this scene.

08/04/13

A five way intersection follows between N Street NE and North Capitol Street. North Capitol Street runs south to Louisiana Avenue near the United States Capitol and north to the VA Medical Center and Blair Road. The Capitol Street mainline passes under U.S. 50 with ramps connecting to New York Avenue.

A five way intersection follows between N Street NE and North Capitol Street. North Capitol Street runs south to Louisiana Avenue near the United States Capitol and north to the VA Medical Center and Blair Road. The Capitol Street mainline passes under U.S. 50 with ramps connecting to New York Avenue.

08/04/13

U.S. 50 West
U.S. 50 passes over N Capitol Street at N Street NE. Ramps connect with the urban boulevard below as it travels between the United States Capitol area and the VA Medical Center.

U.S. 50 passes over N Capitol Street at N Street NE. Ramps connect with the urban boulevard below as it travels between the United States Capitol area and the VA Medical Center.

08/04/13

The first sign posted along U.S. 50 (New York Avenue NW) for the upcoming turn onto Interstate 395 (Center Leg Freeway) south. A left-turn takes motorists onto I-395 south ahead of the 3rd Street Tunnel.

The first sign posted along U.S. 50 (New York Avenue NW) for the upcoming turn onto Interstate 395 (Center Leg Freeway) south. A left-turn takes motorists onto I-395 south ahead of the 3rd Street Tunnel.

08/04/13

Since Interstate 395 passes under a pair of tunnels prior to reaching Interstate 695 and Virginia, certain restrictions are listed on this sign in terms of height and hazardous cargo.

Since Interstate 395 passes under a pair of tunnels prior to reaching Interstate 695 and Virginia, certain restrictions are listed on this sign in terms of height and hazardous cargo.

08/04/13

Interstate 395 runs south to the Southwest Freeway to Arlington, Virginia. Interests to Downtown Washington should remain along U.S. 50 (New York Avenue) west to its turn onto 6th Street NW alongside U.S. 1 south.

Interstate 395 runs south to the Southwest Freeway to Arlington, Virginia. Interests to Downtown Washington should remain along U.S. 50 (New York Avenue) west to its turn onto 6th Street NW alongside U.S. 1 south.

08/04/13

Two left turn lanes serve Interstate 395 (Center Leg Freeway) south and adjacent 4th Street, the Alternate route for I-395. I-395 through D.C. was signed as Interstate 95 until 1977.
2 photos

Two left turn lanes serve Interstate 395 (Center Leg Freeway) south and adjacent 4th Street, the Alternate route for I-395. I-395 through D.C. was signed as Interstate 95 until 1977.

06/02/03

08/03/13

Interstate 395 follows the Center Leg Freeway south to a split with the Southeast Freeway (I-695) east to the 11th Street Bridge and Southwest Freeway west to Arlington, Virginia.

Interstate 395 follows the Center Leg Freeway south to a split with the Southeast Freeway (I-695) east to the 11th Street Bridge and Southwest Freeway west to Arlington, Virginia.

08/03/13

Westbound reassurance shield assembly posted for U.S. 50 on Constitution Avenue NW between 15th and 16th Streets SW. U.S. 50 runs between The Ellipse and the National Mall on this stretch.

Westbound reassurance shield assembly posted for U.S. 50 on Constitution Avenue NW between 15th and 16th Streets SW. U.S. 50 runs between The Ellipse and the National Mall on this stretch.

08/01/05

Replaced when new street lights were added between 2011 and 2012, this older style shield for U.S. 50 was posted along Constitution Avenue NW west of 17th Street NW.

Replaced when new street lights were added between 2011 and 2012, this older style shield for U.S. 50 was posted along Constitution Avenue NW west of 17th Street NW.

07/05/10

Interstate 66 U.S. 50 West
U.S. 50 combines with Interstate 66 west across the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge. I-66 joins the span south from the Potomac River Freeway.

U.S. 50 combines with Interstate 66 west across the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge. I-66 joins the span south from the Potomac River Freeway.

12/27/22

Interstate 66 turns northward around Rosslyn, Virginia with two lanes from the west end of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge.

Interstate 66 turns northward around Rosslyn, Virginia with two lanes from the west end of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge.

12/27/22

I-66/U.S. 50 pass over southern reaches of Theodore Roosevelt Island ahead of their separation at George Washington Parkway.

I-66/U.S. 50 pass over southern reaches of Theodore Roosevelt Island ahead of their separation at George Washington Parkway.

08/04/13

Beyond the west end of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, I-66 transitions into a toll road west at U.S. 29 in Rossyln, Virginia.

Beyond the west end of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, I-66 transitions into a toll road west at U.S. 29 in Rossyln, Virginia.

12/27/22

Interstate 66 curves northward adjacent to George Washington Parkway as U.S. 50 west parts ways at the Little River.

Interstate 66 curves northward adjacent to George Washington Parkway as U.S. 50 west parts ways at the Little River.

12/27/22

Photo Credits:

Connect with:

Interstate 66Interstate 66
Interstate 395Interstate 395
U.S. 1U.S. 1

Page Updated Thursday February 09, 2023.