Washington is a city of monumental, often award-winning architecture, but one sweeping masterpiece of engineering seems to have missed the spotlight.

Did you know that DC is home to the 1972 winner of the “Most Beautiful Bridge, Elevated Highways and Viaducts Category” according to the American Institute of Steel Construction?

Well, you can indeed find the winner in Washington, only a few blocks from Capitol Hill. Here’s an image:

This is the Southeast Freeway interchange with the 11th Street Bridges. The award specifically went to the eastbound to southbound and northbound to westbound ramps.

Maybe 1972 just didn’t have much bridge construction or I just have bad taste, but I’m not seeing the majesty of this span.

Matt Johnson has lived in the Washington area since 2007. He has a Master’s in Planning from the University of Maryland and a BS in Public Policy from Georgia Tech. He lives in Dupont Circle. He’s a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and is an employee of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. His views are his own and do not represent those of his employer.