(Washington, DC) – Starting Tuesday, September 4, 2012, weather permitting, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will be begin mobilizing or the streetscape construction work planned for New Hampshire Avenue between H Street and Dupont Circle in Northwest Washington. As part of the preparation and mobilization activities, crews will be installing construction warning and traffic control signage, tree protection devices and will also be accessing the project area to determine the layouts for the construction work zones.

Project Scope

The project entails complete reconstruction work between M Street and Dupont Circle and resurfacing work between H and M Streets and 22nd Street between K Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. To enhance mobility along this corridor the one-way travel pattern between Washington Circle and M Street will be converted into a two-way travel pattern and a new bike lane will be added between Dupont Circle and Washington Circle.

As part of the safety enhancements for this project, select curb areas will be reconfigured to include bulb-outs and the sidewalks along the entire stretch of the project will be reconstructed and will include ADA compliant wheelchair ramps.

At Washington Circle select pedestrian paths within the circle will be reconfigured to improve access to and from crosswalks and a post and chain will be installed around the perimeter of the circle to discourage jay-walking.

The project scope will also include:

• The installation of new streetscape features such as enhanced lighting equipment and tree buffers
• Intersection and crosswalk modifications along New Hampshire Avenue, Washington Circle and 22nd Street
• Upgrading storm drainage inlets to water quality inlets
• The installation of storm sewer pipes and fire hydrants

Construction

The critical construction activities associated with this project will take approximately 18-months to complete. Actual construction related activities are slated to start on or about September 11, 2012 and will first take place on the west side of New Hampshire Avenue where crews will work from south to north at H Street and at M Street. Following this phase crews will follow the same sequence on the east side of New Hampshire Avenue and will also begin to work 22nd Street between K Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Both phases will include work on Washington Circle Construction work is scheduled to be performed between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and may occasionally take place on weekends and during overnight hours. All construction activities are contingent upon weather conditions.

At a minimum one traffic lane per existing direction will be kept open at all times. Curbside parking will be temporarily restricted along the construction areas. No-Parking signage will be placed in advance and a notice will be distributed to the stakeholders along the impacted corridor.

A 72-hour advance notification will be provided to all businesses, residences, and stakeholders in this corridor prior to any impacts on traffic flow or parking.

Access to the Metro station and bus stops will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

Public meetings will be scheduled throughout the construction period to update stakeholders on the progress of the project.

Motorists are advised to stay alert as they travel through or near this work zone area and to plan ahead to minimize delays while traveling through this corridor.

For additional information about this project please contact the Public Outreach Coordinator, Monica Ray at (202) 563-5033 or NewHampshire-Info@ddotprojectdc.com.