Capital Bridge Hit by Air Florida Jet Is Named for Hero

WASHINGTON — The bridge hit by an Air Florida flight three years ago becomes the Arland D. Williams Memorial Bridge today in honor of the man who sacrificed his life rescuing victims of the crash.

“The bridge is being named for a man who gave his life for persons whose origins he did not stop to ask,” said David Clarke, chairman of the District of Columbia Council, at a ceremony Wednesday. “He gave his life passing the lifeline.”

The legislation renaming the northbound span of the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River in honor of Williams was passed by the council and signed by the mayor last December. But the bill does not become law until today because that is when the congressional review period is up.