From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and National Park Service (NPS) announced today that construction for the rehabilitation of the Rock Creek Park Trail and new pedestrian bridge is scheduled to begin on March 31, 2021.

“We are thrilled to finally start construction on this project which is the result of decades long collaboration with our partners and community stakeholders,” said DDOT Interim Director Everett Lott. “The planned repairs and upgrades like the addition of a pedestrian bridge will make this very popular DC destination much more enjoyable for all who use it.”

DDOT and NPS will rehabilitate and construct more than 3.7 miles of the paved, multi-use trail spanning Wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 from M Street NW in Georgetown to Broad Branch Road NW. Read More

M Street, NW between Connecticut and 19th Street, NW

Back in October we noted an “extended sidewalk” was coming to M Street. I’ve never seen one with a running/walking lane before. Awesome.

“Dear PoPville,

The jersey barriers in front of CVS at Georgia and New Hampshire were removed this morning [Saturday]. Do you have any knowledge of why? That sidewalk didn’t stop being too narrow to social distance and the pandemic remains raging so it seems premature at best.”

From DDOT:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced an additional 5 miles of DC Slow Streets will be installed in the District. As a result, residents will soon have access to over 26 miles of roadway to practice safe social distancing while walking, biking, and rolling in DC neighborhoods.

“DC’s Slow Streets program reflects the Bowser Administration’s commitment to reimagining public space to improve accessibility and safety for residents,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “The public’s overwhelmingly positive response to this program shows we are making it easier for our residents to enjoy the outdoors as we mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

All DC Slow Streets are installed on local streets (typically with no centerline marked) and have a speed limit set at 15 miles per hour. They are restricted to local traffic, have no bus routes and are generally linked to parks or other places to bike and walk. Drivers should only use a designated Slow Street if their destination is within two blocks of that street. Residents, emergency vehicles, deliveries, and trash collection vehicles still have access to Slow Streets.

Installation on the next 5 miles of the project will begin the week of October 26, and is expected to be completed by early November in the following locations: Read More

14th and S Street, NW

Dave reports on Friday: “Police issuing $100 tickets for violators Friday morning around 9:30 am, S Street in front of Coffee Bar (12th and S). I stopped driving thru them”

First report I’ve heard of tickets being issued. Has anyone else seen and enforcement presence? If so, where?

Ed. Note: We recently spoke about experiences safe streets here.

“Dear PoPville,

As part of DC govt/DDOT’s initiative to create more recreational space to socially distance and make neighborhood streets safer by reducing the speed limit, “slow streets” barriers were put up. I live at North Capitol and Van Buren Sts NW and can confirm that this isn’t changing how drivers behave or get to their destinations. Read More

Photo by mychacos

“Dear PoPville,

Saturday I was walking my dog down Rock Creek through the tunnel. There are signs to dismount your bike through the tunnel on both sides. Two guys were going full speed on the narrow sidewalk. When one of them passed me, I told him he’s supposed to get off his bike. The next guy stopped and let me pass and I told him the same. The first guy then got off his bike, threw it to the ground, and started walking toward me aggressively as though he was going to physically assault me. His friend had to hold him back. I wish I had taken a picture of the guy. I can’t believe anyone would get so angry that they would respond physically to someone pointing out the rules. It’s really dangerous for people to ride their bikes through that tunnel when it’s busy with people and responding with aggression is not appropriate.”

Thanks to Stephen for sending:

“Following on from the horrible incident in June, they have installed some significant traffic calming measures on Piney Branch at Dahlia. Rarely see the intersection these days for teleworking, but glad they finally did it. Too late, but hopefully this will help.” Read More

From DDOT:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that by September 1, residents will have nearly 22 miles of DC Slow Streets to practice safe social distancing while walking, biking, and rolling in neighborhoods across the District.

“We have already heard great feedback about the initial five miles of Slow Streets that were installed earlier this summer,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “The approximately 17 miles that we will add over the next several weeks are critical to Mayor Bowser’s vision to reimagine public space during the COVID-19 public health emergency.”

All DC Slow Streets are installed on local streets (typically with no centerline marked); without any bus routes and are generally linked to parks or other places to bike and walk. Once installed, DC Slow Streets are restricted to local traffic and the speed limit is set at 15 miles per hour to support neighborhood-based safe social distancing while walking, running, rolling, or cycling.

Installation will begin the week of August 10, and is expected to be completed by September 1 in the following locations: Read More