Dear PoP – What’s Up With The Construction on Park Road?

“What is going on on Park Road between 14th and 17th? They’ve been tearing up the road and it’s created quite a mess. I’ve been told it’s because they are laying pipe for water for a fountain at the park at the intersection of Kenyon, Park and 14th Street (in front of Julia’s Empanada’s and those businesses). Any truth to that? Seems odd to me they’d have to make such a mess on a road running east to west to get water to that site for a fountain. Perhaps you or some of your readers know?”

Ah, I received a press release about this and they’ve also created a nice Web site:

www.ColumbiaHeights-Streetscape.com

DDOT Begins Road Construction on Park Road, NW

Where: Park Road, NW from 17^th St, NW to Hiatt Place, NW
When: 7:00 am—7:00 pm, Monday-Saturday

starting Monday, December 8, 2008 until February 2009
Purpose: Road construction work on Park Road, NW,

from 17^th St, NW to Hiatt Place, NW.

One lane of traffic will be open at all times during construction.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) began road construction on Park Road NW on Monday, December 8, 2008. Construction of Park Road from Hiatt Place to 14^th Street is estimated to begin in February 2009 with completion in June 2009, weather permitting. This road construction is part of the first phase of a major facelift for the Columbia Heights corridor. Continues after the jump.

Parking Restrictions

• There is no parking in the construction area from 7 am—7 pm
• Overnight parking from 7 pm—7 am may be allowed as safety conditions dictate.
• Residents of the 1600 block of Park Road are now eligible for Zone 1 Residential Parking Permits (RPP) that allow legal curbside parking anywhere in Ward 1.
• RPP stickers cost $15 and are available at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles.
• Come to the Field Office if you have difficulty in obtaining the permit.

Park Road Construction Work in December and January

• Replacement of waterline along Park Road from 17^th Street to Hiatt Place, NW
• Continuation of waterline replacement at the intersection of 16^th Street, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm: One lane of traffic in each direction of 16^th Street will be maintained. Construction signage to alert motorists and pedestrians will be placed on 16^th Street seventy-two hours before construction begins.
• Testing of waterlines
• No construction work on December 25, 2008 and January 1, 2009.

Questions and Answers

Question: Why is construction being done on Park Road?

Answer: Construction is being done on Park Road to make intersection, signal and safety improvements, reconstruct the roadway, install pedestrian amenities, and make upgrades to the sidewalks, curbs and gutters, waterline and drainage, landscaping and street lighting.

Question: Park Road has narrow sidewalks between 16th and 17th Streets. Will the sidewalks be widened to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Answer: The sidewalks on the south side of the 1600 block of Park Road will be widened by two feet to meet ADA requirements.

Question: What is being done to reduce traffic congestion during construction?

Answer: We have flag men who control and regulate traffic as conditions dictate. We are working to coordinate schedules with schools, churches and businesses in the construction area. One lane of traffic will be open at all times, with the exception of short, periodic closures when moving equipment.

Question: How can I get to my home or business during construction?

Answer: There will be access to homes, schools, businesses and churches at all times. All the sidewalk areas will not be under construction at the same time. Sidewalk construction will be done in sections to minimize the impact on pedestrian access. For those who are impacted, we will work to reroute access using ramps and other means.

Question: Where will I walk when the sidewalk is closed?

Answer: When one sidewalk is closed the opposite sidewalk will always be open.

Question: How is DDOT communicating with local leaders about the construction?

Answer: The DDOT project team is working to partner with ANCs and other local leaders through a Community Relations Team. The job of the Community Relations Team is to work to anticipate and resolve problems, and to keep the community informed about the construction.

Question: Where will the Smart Bikes and new street furniture be located near the Metro Station and civic plaza?

Answer: So far, the proposed location for the Smart Bikes is the southeast corner of 14th and Irving Streets, by the CVS. DDOT will be working with the project Community Relations Team to address these issues.

Question: Are you adjusting the traffic light and walk signal timing?

Answer: We will adjust timing on the existing roadway during construction. We will set new timing at the end to reflect the completed construction.

Contact Information

DDOT plans to construct this project while maintaining safety and access for local residences, businesses and the traveling public.

For more information please contact

Construction Manager,

Mr. Vincent Kumordzie, P.E.

or

DDOT Project Engineer,

Mr. Samuel Ayodele at (202) 234-7551

or

Civic Engagement Coordinator,

Hadiah S. Jordan by email at [email protected]

or by phone at (202) 610-0005.