Community Leaders Host Public Meeting on the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck Over Project
Category: Neighborhood Spotlight
Community Leaders Host Public Meeting on the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape Project
On Monday, January 30th, a public meeting was held to brief the community on the construction schedule, impact, and RFP process for the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck Over Project.
During the meeting, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) stated that construction will begin in Fall 2023 and is expected to last 27 months. The estimated completion date is spring 2026. The RFQ will soon be out for bid, with the awarded contractor being announced this summer.
Construction will start at the top of the hill and work south on the west side, then switch to the east side and go back up to the 1900 block of Connecticut Avenue. Because building the plaza requires decking over the Connecticut Avenue underpass, construction will happen in phases. The east side will be first, and the west side will follow. During construction, both the 19th and 20th Street streateries will be closed to make way for traffic around the Circle.
This project will create a new plaza and be a huge asset to the neighborhood. In addition to providing more space for people to gather in community, it allows for even more event activations. Small planters will line the plaza, and there will be access to both electricity and water. Furthermore, the new streetscape, that is expected to stretch from just north of the Circle to California Street NW, will improve safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. In keeping with the goal to incorporate more green infrastructure elements, the streetscape will also include 52 new oak trees.
For more information about the project, click here.