(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin the process of changing out the 23 track drain systems along the existing streetcar tracks on Firth Sterling Avenue and South Capitol Street on January 17; weather permitting.

The replacement drains will better accommodate cyclists who will use this route. The work is anticipated to run from January 17, 2012 through February 10, 2012.

Work will generally be performed in a "moving operation" during non-peak hours from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The following lane shifts and closures will be required to execute this work in a safe manner

• Tuesday, January 17 through Tuesday, January 24 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (each day)
  Temporary lane shifts along northbound Firth Sterling Avenue, SE between South Capitol Street and Suitland Parkway
• 10 am Friday, January 20 through 10 am Monday, January 23,
  Lane closure of outside northbound lane on Firth Sterling Avenue, SE between South Capitol Street and Stevens Road, SE
• Wednesday, January 25 through Thursday, February 2 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (each day)
  Temporary lane shifts along southbound Firth Sterling Avenue, SE between South Capitol Street and Suitland Parkway
• Thursday, February 2 through Friday, February 10 from 9:30 am to 12 pm (each day)
  Temporary lane shift in the intersection of South Capitol Street and Firth Sterling Avenue, SE on South Capitol Street

Variable Message Boards will be in place to alert travelers in this corridor of all lane closures.

DDOT encourages all motorists to stay alert while traveling through this work zone.