DDOT Set to Start Reconstruction of Sherman Avenue

From a DDOT press release on Friday:

Two Year Project Will Make Street Safer for Drivers, Cyclists and Pedestrians

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced plans are in place to start the reconstruction of Sherman Avenue, NW. Major streetscape improvements, that will reshape Sherman Avenue as a residential street, are planned between Park Road and Florida Avenue. Construction on this two-year project will start next week with water-main utility work.

The department has worked very closely with the community on the design to ensure the construction will:

* Make Sherman Avenue feel more residential rather than a commuter route by reducing vehicular lanes to one in each direction.
* Improve pedestrian safety by widening the sidewalks to make them ADA compliant, and upgrading the wheelchair ramps and crosswalk markings.
* Make Sherman Avenue more attractive by planting trees and shrubs along the corridor, upgrading street lights and upgrading traffic signals.

“When we talk about livable streets in the coming years, we will be able to point to Sherman Avenue as a great example,” said Director Klein. “It won’t be a barren raceway prioritizing just cars anymore. It will be a beautiful, tree-lined residential street with wide sidewalks, shorter crosswalks and bike lanes in both directions. It will be safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”

DDOT will also completely reconstruct the roadway, upgrade the DC Water pipes and improve the drainage system along Sherman Avenue. The construction is expected to be completed in late 2012.