DDOT/Great Streets: Streetscape Improvements Public Meeting Information
As we mentioned last week, DC Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) will be hosting the first public meeting (“open house” format) to solicit community input for streetscape improvements on RIA-NE on December 11th. The time and location for the meeting has now been set: 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Woodridge Library. Additionally, an information website has been set up: www.RIAnortheast.com Don’t miss this VERY important opportunity to be a part of the discussion! It is critical that the voices of members of the communities that surround RIA-NE be represented on this project. ...
Read MoreSave the Date! DDOT Public Meetings for RIA Streetscape Improvements
We’ve been talking about it for a while, and after delays on new contract awards during the Federal Government shut-down, DDOT has finally announced the first date for public meetings to get community input about streetscape improvements to Rhode Island Avenue. On December 11th, DDOT will host the first of several public meetings to solicit your input on what types of streetscape improvements are needed on Rhode Island Avenue NE. The phrase “streetscape” refers to improvements in the physical appearance and condition of RIA – including options for improved lighting for pedestrian safety, better crosswalks, more trees, decorative sidewalks, benches, planters, etc. The RIA corridor is YOUR neighborhood commercial corridor, and YOUR input will provide the direction that DDOT takes for improving the safety and appearance of the Avenue. The time and location for the Dec. 11 meeting are still to be determined, so save the date and stay tuned for more...
Read MoreDDOT Starting Work on Bridge to RIA Metro Station
With construction starting Monday, August 19 there will soon be a new bridge connecting Rhode Island Ave Metro with the Edgewood neighborhood and the Met Branch Trail. Construction is expected to take 16 – 18 months, putting completion around Dec 2014 – Feb 2015. This is exciting news for folks in Edgewood! This means if you’re walking from Edgewood Terrace or the Big Lots (from the northwest), you no longer have to walk under the tracks, next to fast moving traffic on a narrow sidewalk, then up a long, winding ramp up to the Metro station entrance. You’d instead go to the Met Branch Trail entrance off the parking lot and walk up those steps to the Metro. DDOT has put up a website to track this project, which you should be sure to check back on over the next 16 – 18 months: www.rhodeislandavepedbridge.com All photos...
Read MoreWMATA: Rhode Island Ave-Baltimore Ave Study Update
As mentioned earlier this month, WMATA has launched a study of the Rhode Island Avenue and Baltimore Avenue bus lines. Yesterday, we received this update from WMATA representative Douglas Stallworth: “Since we had our project kick-off meeting with other Metro staff and representatives from DDOT, Maryland DOT, Prince George’s County Department of Transportation & Public Works and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning yesterday, I thought you would like a status update on the project. We discussed the following: Scope of the project including an analysis of the following which will lead to improvement recommendations: Assessment of current transit service in the corridor on Routes G8, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86 and T18 Traffic operations assessment Condition of bus stops and shelters Condition of the bus fleet Availability of transit information Bus fare payment characteristics and issues Safety and security concerns Tentative date of on or about July 10 for a rider survey on the above routes Focus group meeting would be held in late July at a location to be determined First series of public meetings would be held in late August at locations to be determined after schools reopen in the District and Prince George’s County to avoid rider vacations” The rider survey, scheduled for July 10, will included a blitz of survey forms available on all of the bus lines listed. Additionally, WMATA has set up a website for this project, where the survey will also be available electronically and you can track the progress of the study, including dates and locations of public meetings. It is critical to have your voice be heard in improving the bus line access along our corridor. Be sure to take part in the survey and public meetings – we’ll help keep you updated with information about this project as it becomes available....
Read MoremoveDC Public Workshops: The Future of Transit in the District
Tonight’s meeting at the Lamond Riggs Library marks the beginning of the 2nd round of the moveDC public workshops. The strategic planning initiative, developed by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is intended to develop long range plans for multimodal transportation in the District. Transportation plans affect everyone in the District. This is a particularly important topic for those of us living along a major corridor like Route 1/Rhode Island Avenue. With significant development happening on the Maryland side of Rt. 1, it is critical to to develop a plan that will reduce traffic congestion. There are multiple public workshops scheduled during the month of June, including two webinars for any community members that are unable to attend any of the public events. For more details about the programs, as well as dates, times, and locations of the workshops, please visit www.wemovedc.org. Information for tonight’s meeting is: When: June 6, 2013 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Where: Lamond Riggs Library – 5401 S. Dakota Ave....
Read MoreWMATA to begin Rhode Island Avenue/Baltimore Avenue study
WMATA is scheduled to begin a Metrobus study soon, with an eye towards improving the bus lines on the Rhode Island Avenue/Baltimore Avenue corridor. Currently, there are no Rhode Island Avenue NE bus lines that travel between downtown DC and along Baltimore Avenue in Maryland. To get from a location such as the new apartments in Hyattsville to downtown DC, a commuter using public transportation cannot simply take a bus down what appears to be a very direct route to DC. Instead, they must take at least one bus trip and transfer to a metro station, or make multiple bus transfers to get to their destination downtown. What could be a simple 20-30 minute bus ride ends up taking up to an hour and a half, depending on the mode of commute. As development in Mt. Rainier, Hyattsville, and College Park increases, it is critical to have smart options available for commuters to reduce the number of cars being added to the roads. According to Douglas Stallworth of WMATA, they are hoping to begin the process in June. There will be public meetings to give everyone an opportunity to speak out on any proposed changes. We’ll keep you posted on any news or developments, and you can also follow the progress via a WMATA web page for the study: The Metrobus Rhode Island Avenue Line...
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