Washington D.C.’s East Capitol Street is poised for significant improvements in safety and mobility, thanks to a substantial $34 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Awarded to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), this funding will propel the East Capitol Street Safety and Mobility Project forward, benefiting all users of this vital roadway in Ward 7.
This crucial grant, part of DOT’s Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects (INFRA) program, was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The INFRA program is designed to bolster projects of national and regional importance, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight and passenger movement across both urban and rural landscapes. East Capitol Street, a key corridor in Washington D.C., is set to reap considerable rewards from this initiative.
“The East Capitol Street Corridor’s inclusion in the District of Columbia’s high-injury network underscores the urgency of these improvements,” stated Interim DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “Given the high volume of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic along this corridor, we are incredibly grateful for this funding. It will significantly augment Mayor Bowser’s budget commitments to bolster safety for everyone utilizing our roadways.”
Spanning approximately 2.1 miles within Ward 7, the East Capitol Project stretches from Burns Street to Southern Avenue. This ambitious $57 million project is meticulously designed to integrate a range of safety enhancements that champion environmental justice and equity within a Historically Disadvantaged Community. Furthermore, it strongly aligns with the District’s Vision Zero goals, aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The project’s benefits will extend to local and regional commuters, neighboring residential areas, schools, and businesses along East Capitol Street.
Key improvements planned for East Capitol Street include:
- Dedicated Bicycle Facilities: The project will introduce new bicycle infrastructure, featuring designated and protected bike lanes to ensure safer cycling along East Capitol Street.
- Transit Enhancements: Upgrades to public transit infrastructure are planned, including the implementation of floating bus stops that are strategically offset from the curb to improve bus operations and passenger safety.
- Traffic Calming Measures: A suite of safety and traffic-calming measures will be deployed, such as curb extensions designed to increase visibility at intersections and reduce pedestrian crossing distances.
- Optimized Traffic Signals: Enhanced traffic signal timing will be implemented for both vehicles and pedestrians, aiming to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety on East Capitol Street.
- High-Visibility Crosswalks: Upgraded crosswalks with high visibility markings will be installed to enhance pedestrian safety.
- HAWK Beacons: The installation of HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crosswalk) beacons at strategic locations will provide pedestrian-activated signals for safer crossings.
- Stormwater Drainage Upgrades: Improvements to the stormwater drainage system will enhance street functionality and environmental resilience.
- Intersection Reconfigurations: Safer geometric reconfigurations of intersections are planned to reduce conflicts and improve overall safety for all road users at key points along East Capitol Street.
The final design phase of the East Capitol Street Safety and Mobility Project is anticipated to commence in the third quarter of 2024, with construction slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. Complementing the INFRA grant, DDOT will allocate $11.3 million from Federal Highway Administration formula funding and an additional $11.3 million from District funds to fully realize this project.
The District of Columbia is projected to receive over $3 billion under the BIL, demonstrating a significant investment in the city’s infrastructure. Mayor Bowser established the DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force to optimize the District’s ability to secure and effectively utilize federal funds made available through this law. To date, over $2.1 billion in BIL funding has been earmarked for roads, bridges, roadway safety initiatives, and major infrastructure projects within the District.
For deeper insights into the East Capitol Street Safety and Mobility Project, please visit ddot.dc.gov/eastcapitolsafety. Further information about the INFRA Grant Program can be found at transportation.gov/grants/infra-grant-program.
