A view of Eckington, in DC by Ted Eytan licensed under Creative Commons.

Updates on traffic-calming curb extensions on 1st Street NW and a new design for a proposed one-way conversion on T Street NE were recently released by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

Bloomingdale Civic Association to beautify bumpouts

The curb extensions on 1st Street NW in Bloomingdale are set to receive another upgrade following the successful acceptance of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) designating the Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) responsible for the installation and maintenance of planters and art.

Installed at the beginning of the year after a 5+ year advocacy campaign from neighbors including the BCA, the curb extensions (also referred to as bumpouts) improve safety on the street by physically and visually narrowing the street so drivers approach intersections more slowly and have to take slower, wider turns. They also improve pedestrian visibility and reduce crossing distances.

Planter example from DDOT plans

DDOT’s initial plans included a placemaking element — using public art and planters to beautify the bulbouts while further enhancing safety — but to date only one intersection has been painted using initial DDOT funds. BCA membership’s approval of the MOA at their October meeting last night puts the ball in the civic association’s court for the next steps.

The neighborhood organization is now researching design and placement options and costs. DDOT has already purchased the 32 planters and will deliver them when the BCA indicates they are ready.

A bike lane is included in the latest plans for T Street NE

Across North Capitol Street, DDOT is working on another streetscape change as well. Earlier this year the agency previewed plans to convert T St NE in Eckington into a one-way street to help mitigate traffic safety issues specifically during school pick-up and drop-off hours.

Before the Notice-of-Intent (NOI) was released, some residents gave feedback that the conversion would reduce connectivity for cyclists coming off the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). They asked the agency to re-purpose the removed drive-lane into a contraflow bike lane instead.

Six months later, DDOT has taken the suggestion. New designs shared with the community last week include the requested bike lane, as well as an additional conversion of parallel Todd Pl NE from one-way eastbound to one-way westbound in order to provide more even traffic flow in the neighborhood.

Image from DDOT proposal one-pager.

Under the proposed plan, T St NE would become one-way eastbound while neighboring Todd Place NE would switch to one-way westbound. Image by the author.

DDOT is currently seeking more community feedback on these proposed changes. Interested residents can email DDOT Community Engagement Specialist for Ward 5, Kelly Jeong-Olsen, at kelly.jeong-olson1@dc.gov before the October 30 deadline. After that, DDOT will look to issue a formal NOI which begins the implementation process.

Nick Sementelli is a 17-year DC resident who lives in Ward 5. In his day job, he works as a digital strategist for progressive political campaigns and advocacy groups. Outside of the office, you can find him on the soccer field or at Nats Park. He currently serves on GGWash's Board of Directors.