"Work on the project will include the installation of new traffic signals, new streetlights, curb, gutter and sidewalks along with infrastructure and utility work which will include new fire hydrants and catch basins. New trees and landscaping will also be included."
DDOT is in charge of both the Great Streets program and the streetcar, though they may be under different project managers. In any event, the two projects are being coordinated--with the tracks being laid from 3rd to 14th during the final phase of the Great Streets project.
So, I think it is correct that the tracks are not being laid in the portion of the Great Streets project that is first (and described in the article)--the reconstruction of the "Starburst" intersection of H Street, Bladensburg & MD Ave. There is talk of one day extending the streetcar line all the way to the Minnesota Avenue Metro station, but that is a long ways off, so I'm thinking that is why the tracks would not be laid all the way to Bladensburg.
The second portion of the Great Streets project will be redoing the sidewalks, trees, and parking lane on the north side, working in three phases from 3rd to 14th.
The third portion will be redoing the sidewalks, trees and parking lane on the south side, working in three phases from 14th to 3rd.
The final portion of the project will be redoing the travel lanes on both sides, installing the streetcar tracks as they go (one set of tracks in each direction in the interior lanes). I'm not 100% sure, but I think the final portion will proceed from 3rd to 14th.
"[They'll be] installing...one set of tracks in each direction in the interior lanes..."
At the risk of sounding like an idiot...and I hesitate to even ask this...but if the streetcars are in the interior lanes, how do folks get on and off them?
8 comments:
Hmmm. While this is great that work is starting, should we be concerned the press release doesn't mention laying tracks for the streetcar?
I thought the plan was to lay tracks during this phase.
http://newsroom.dc.gov/show.aspx/agency/ddot/section/24/release/12363
"Work on the project will include the installation of new traffic signals, new streetlights, curb, gutter and sidewalks along with infrastructure and utility work which will include new fire hydrants and catch basins. New trees and landscaping will also be included."
I don't think Great Streets is in charge of the streetcar project, Nate. Someone else may be able to confirm this.
Fixed a couple of things...
Soul Searcher and Nate,
DDOT is in charge of both the Great Streets program and the streetcar, though they may be under different project managers. In any event, the two projects are being coordinated--with the tracks being laid from 3rd to 14th during the final phase of the Great Streets project.
So, I think it is correct that the tracks are not being laid in the portion of the Great Streets project that is first (and described in the article)--the reconstruction of the "Starburst" intersection of H Street, Bladensburg & MD Ave. There is talk of one day extending the streetcar line all the way to the Minnesota Avenue Metro station, but that is a long ways off, so I'm thinking that is why the tracks would not be laid all the way to Bladensburg.
The second portion of the Great Streets project will be redoing the sidewalks, trees, and parking lane on the north side, working in three phases from 3rd to 14th.
The third portion will be redoing the sidewalks, trees and parking lane on the south side, working in three phases from 14th to 3rd.
The final portion of the project will be redoing the travel lanes on both sides, installing the streetcar tracks as they go (one set of tracks in each direction in the interior lanes). I'm not 100% sure, but I think the final portion will proceed from 3rd to 14th.
Best,
Alan Kimber
ANC Commissioner, 6C05
is there a timeline for all of this?
just asking.
dc is notorious for setting timelines, and not abiding by them.
Alan, thanks for the update. You're a wealth of information!
I'm just glad the entire project is about to get started. This is going to be a great catalyst to new growth and development up down H Street.
"[They'll be] installing...one set of tracks in each direction in the interior lanes..."
At the risk of sounding like an idiot...and I hesitate to even ask this...but if the streetcars are in the interior lanes, how do folks get on and off them?
--ibc
the same way people do on the streetcar in New Orleans or San Fran. Dedicated boarding points/crosswalks along the line.
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