Walkblock of the Week #2: Connecticut and Yuma NW
Construction is certainly a part of life, but when it closes sidewalks, it can make walking more difficult and dangerous. DC’s policies require keeping a safe passage for people walking and bicycling, but that doesn’t always happen.
On Connecticut Avenue just north of the Van Ness Metro, a two block-long construction site blocks the sidewalk and stops students and teachers from taking a direct route to school.
A “means of last resort” for people on foot but not for those in cars.
The new Park Van Ness building will add apartments and retail along the east side of Connecticut Avenue. The construction spans nearly two blocks, from Wyndam Place to Yuma Street to Albemarle.
Right next door, to the north, is the Franklin Montessori School. Because of the construction, students and teachers coming from the Metro have to walk to Albemarle, cross the street, then double back to get to the school. This makes the school significantly farther from the Metro than normal.
Despite signs, some people don’t expect such a major walking route to be closed, and they end up walking next to traffic. Construction is supposed to continue for another year. Meanwhile, all the car lanes, including space that doubles as parking and rush-hour travel lanes, are still open.
The red line on the map shows the closed sidewalk on Connecticut Ave NW. Base map from Google Maps.
DDOT granted permission
DDOT’s online system shows that the construction site has the proper permits, and it appears that the construction company has the appropriate signage necessary to close the sidewalk.
George Branyan, DDOT’s Pedestrian Program Coordinator, said that the site is very complicated because of its steep slopes that move away from the road, which required the sidewalk to be closed longer than at other sites. When I asked about closing a car lane, Branyan said the agency did not consider this option feasible because Connecticut Avenue gets so much traffic (both curbside parking lanes become travel lanes during rush hours). Branyan also stressed that DDOT worked with the community and ANC representatives to modify construction closure plans, and the sidewalk is expected to reopen “later this spring.”
The closure, then, falls into DDOT’s “means of last resort” category, meaning the agency feels that all options for keeping the sidewalk open were impractical. Branyan also clarified that the “means of last resort” category also includes the closure at 16th and I Streets discussed last week. However, “means of last resort” means very little when DDOT uses it so liberally, especially for construction on major roadways, which often have the highest numbers of people in cars but also the highest numbers of people walking.
DDOT is far too quick to make excuses for closing sidewalks instead of finding ways to keep them open. Reversing those priorities will make DC an even better place to walk by making it clear that people walking are a priority.
People in cars move as normal, while those on foot must detour or walk in the street. Photo by the author.
DDOT can accommodate walking
The city has closed car lanes for walking around construction areas at other times. This recent construction project on 5th Street NW took one lane from cars and used it for people walking. Clearly, DDOT has the technical ability, the creativity, and the political support to keep pathways open when it’s a priority.
DDOT provides good accommodation for walking here at 5th St NW, just south of K. Photo from Google Street View.
Is there a blocked sidewalk near you? Email the location and photos to allwalksdc@gmail.com or tweet with the hashtag #dcwalkblock.
All Walks DC is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, advocating for people who walk in the District of Columbia. To get involved, email allwalksDC@gmail.com.