Although it seems like it’s been a long time coming, the next phase of the Maryland Avenue Project is starting this Wednesday, December 18. Spoiler alert: It’s going to be a bit of a mess and it’s going to last a month. The lanes closer to the median in both directions will close from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the road is going to become a single lane both ways. A mess? Kind of a mess. Enjoy the salty, delicious tears of commuters stopped in traffic this whole month, perhaps?
From the press release:
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will close the outbound and inbound lanes adjacent to the median between 7th and 8th Street NE on or about December 18, 2019 – January 17, 2020, as part of the Maryland Avenue Streetscape Project.
The temporary lane closures will be in place Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., weather and construction conditions permitting. The lane closures are needed to conduct electrical work along the median.
Traffic control signs will be in place to guide all users of the roadway through the new traffic pattern in the corridor. Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists are urged to stay alert and use caution when traveling by the work zone.
The Maryland Avenue NE project will improve safety and access for bikes, pedestrians, and cars on the corridor between 2nd Street and 14th Street NE. The project includes new lighting, traffic signals, high visibility crosswalks, traffic calming, shorter crossing distances for pedestrians and new bike lanes. DDOT anticipates the project will be complete by Summer 2021.
Any questions regarding this work should be directed to the Public Outreach Coordinator, Chanceé Lundy, via email marylandaveneproject@gmail.com or phone via phone 202-793-5600. To find out more information about this project, please visit www.marylandavesafety.org.