Rendering of Dave Thomas Circle. image from DDOT project presentation.

Last week the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) released the latest renderings for the redesign project at the intersection of Florida and New York avenues NE, known by many as “Dave Thomas Circle” thanks to an inconveniently placed former Wendy’s.

The area is infamous in DC for its challenging traffic pattern and lack of bike lanes, and has been on many “worst intersections” lists.

The redesign is an attempt to restore two-way traffic on Florida Avenue NE; realign and add two-way traffic to First Street NE; add protected bicycle lanes; and create three new public park spaces, according to DDOT.

During its presentation, DDOT offered some preliminary images of what’s to come. Here are a few.

More visable crosswalks, fewer intersections to increase safety

Renderings of crosswalks and traffic light from DDOT presentation

The design above shows clear and visible crosswalks, which will also include audible pedestrian signals and leading pedestrian intervals, according to the presentation. The number of intersections will be reduced to make way for clearer turning points.

Bike lanes

Images of cycletrack from DDOT presentation.

As seen in the design above, two-way protected bike lanes on First Street NE will connect Eckington to NoMA. More protected bike lanes extend north from the Florida Avenue streetscape project between 2nd and H streets, connecting through the intersection to Eckington Place.

Parks and more public spaces

Renderings of the public parks at Dave Thomas Circle from DDOT presentation

Three public parks, to be built in collaboration with DDOT, NoMa Parks Foundation, and the NoMa Business District, will be added to the intersection. This portion of the project is expected to add about 43,000 square feet of public space in addition to trees, moveable tables, sculptures and play areas. The architectural firm SWA/Balsley was hired to create the designs.

DC earmarked $35 million in its FY2020 capital budget to spend over the next six years on acquiring the Wendy’s and redesigning the intersection. DDOT is negotiating with the company that owns Wendy’s in the center of the intersection to provide relocation assistance.

DDOT is scheduled to have a completed design by the fall of this year. Construction would start in early 2022. You can watch the presentation here.

There’s still a chance to weigh in on the project as the public comment period ends June 18.

George Kevin Jordan was GGWash's Editor-in-Chief. He is a proud resident of Hillcrest in DC's Ward 7. He was born and raised in Milwaukee and has written for many publications, most recently the AFRO and about HIV/AIDS issues for TheBody.com.