The Southwest/Southeast Freeway sign on 9th and Consitutiion Streets NW by Elyse Horvath used with permission.

FHWA gets involved as DDOT delays persist in replacing confusing Southeast/Southwest Freeway overhead signs

Two years after the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved DDOT’s request to renumber portions of I-395 to reduce driver confusion and crashes near the 3rd Street Tunnel exit, some online apps have updated the numbering but DDOT’s overhead signs remain outdated. FHWA has approached DDOT to push for timely sign replacement.  (Dave Dildine / WTOP)  

“Extreme lack” of existing and newly built homes on the market contributing to rising prices in region

While high interest rates have caused homeowners to hang onto their current homes with locked-in low rates, a shortage in new construction is also driving up housing prices. The Washington region has 49% fewer newly constructed homes on the market than in 2015. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Michele Lerner / Post)  

Pedestrians to be better protected under new Arlington Country crosswalk ordinance requiring drivers to stop

The Arlington Country Board is set to move forward on an ordinance that requires drivers to come to a full stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, whereas previous county code only required them to yield. One-third of fatal crashes in Arlington between 2018-2022 involved a pedestrian.  (Jo DeVoe / ARLnow)  

West Baltimore neighborhood stuck with vacant properties due to 17-year-old contract between city and developer

In 2006, the City of Baltimore struck a deal with developer La Cité, in which the city would assemble parcels of land and demolish homes in the historically Black Poppleton neighborhood that La Cité would then redevelop. La Cité hasn’t moved forward with any redevelopment and the city remains the owner of now-vacant parcels and is bound to the contract terms, frustrating residents who want to see the community revitalized. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Giacomo Bologna / Baltimore Sun)  

Sugarloaf Mountain closed to hikers following a burglary; some suggest connection to ongoing zoning debate

Nonprofit organization Stronghold closed Sugarloaf Mountain to the public following a burglary attempt in August, defying the mandate to provide public access and frustrating hikers, with a petition to reopen garnering 3,000 signatures. Some say that Stronghold is simply reevaluating its security measures, while others see this as a move by Stronghold to demonstrate to the county that it can shutter the mountain if ongoing zoning reforms don’t go Stronghold’s way. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Baltimore Sun)  

Calls renewed for paving Palisades Trolley Trail to create bike path

Calls for paving the underused Palisades Trolley Trail to create a 10-foot-wide bike path have resurfaced with the opening of a new high school in DC’s Palisades neighborhood. Advocates argue that a paved path would provide a safe route for students and residents while reducing traffic congestion. Plans also suggest the trail could eventually connect to Georgetown, requiring the purchase and restoration of the dilapidated Foundry Branch Trestle Bridge.  (Luke Lukert / WTOP)  

Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.