WASHINGTON, DC – Construction activities in support of the DC Streetcar program are moving ahead in both Anacostia and along the H Street/Benning Road Corridor. Activities in the near future are expected to have minimal impacts on motorists, pedestrians, businesses and residents in each area.

Anacostia Initial Line Segment

The Anacostia Initial Line Segment is a 1.1 mile planned streetcar line connecting the Anacostia Metro Station with the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), via Firth Sterling Avenue and South Capitol Street. The line will include a storage yard and maintenance facility adjacent to South Capitol Street. In the near future, this segment will be utilized as a testing and commissioning track for streetcar vehicles prior to being put into service.

Construction activities in this area include:

• Preparing the storage yard – track and power work;
• Erecting a secure fence at the storage yard;
• Activating the new traffic signal that was recently installed on South Capitol Street near the storage yard; and
• Installing of power sub-stations and overhead lines.

The District’s existing vehicles will be moved and stored there this winter. Vehicle testing and commissioning is expected to begin in mid-to-late February of 2013. Testing and commissioning ensures that the streetcars are safe for the public, and their drivers are trained and experienced before passenger service begins. It also allows for safety training with local emergency responders. All primary testing and commissioning activities will take place completely within District Department of Transportation (DDOT) right-of-way, off the roadway, and behind a secure fence with the exception of exit and entry at the storage yard. DDOT will begin the planning process for this line’s passenger service next year.

H Street/Benning Road Segment

Verification of existing conditions is starting this week along the H Street/Benning Road corridor in preparation for future utility installation and construction activities. This work consists of photographic documentation, verifying utility line locations and checking select manholes. No lane closures are necessary for this portion of the work. There may be minor impacts to pedestrian traffic as teams check manholes and utility line locations. These are expected to be short in duration and will be well marked.

Starting the week of December 3, short term lane closures will become necessary. They will take place during non-peak hours and be well marked. More information regarding the locations of these closures will be published next week.

Stay Informed

DDOT is planning localized construction meetings in the coming weeks to ensure relevant stakeholders and residents are aware of coming activities. Ongoing community outreach efforts will also continue, as the DC Streetcar team promotes these activities at ANC and civic association meetings.

If you would like to receive DC Streetcar construction related updates, please send an email to construction@dcstreetcar.com and indicate which project (Anacostia or H Street/Benning Road or both) you would like to receive notifications about.

For more information about the DC Streetcar, please visit www.dcstreetcar.com .