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Lower Georgia Avenue Transportation and Streetscape ImprovementsFinal Report December 2007
Contents PageA. Executive Summary 1Introduction and Background 12B. Introduction 13C. Study Area 17D. History 18Project Purpose 23
E. Public Participation 24F. Corridor Revitalization Visions and Guidelines 27Existing Conditions 38G. Land Use 39H. Existing Conditions Transportation 42I. Existing Conditions Public Realm 56Alternatives 63J. Transportation Alternatives 64Recommendations 79K. Preferred Alternative 80L. Short Term Recommendations 116M. Long Term Recommendations 118N. Implementation Plan 121O. Acknowledgements
AppendicesAppendix I Existing Conditions Report
Appendix II Future Traffic Analysis ReportAppendix III Steering Committee ListAppendix IV Comments from Public MeetingsAppendix V Public Meeting Summaries
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A. ExecutiveSummaryProject Overview
TheDistrictDepartmentofTransportation(DDOT)commissionedadetailedstudyofstrategictransportationimprovementsthatcouldimprovemultimodalmobilityin
theGeorgiaAvenuacorridor,whileenhancingthepublicrealmwithaconsistentand
attractivestreetscape.DDOTiscommittedtomakingmajortransportationinvestments
andimprovementsalongthecorridor,includingimprovementstothestreetscapeand
thepublicrealm.DDOTandotherDistrictagencieswishtoprioritizetransit,economic
development,overallsafety,andinparticular,pedestrianandbicyclistneedsalongthe
corridor.
Activecollaborationandinvolvementwiththecommunityhasbeencrucialfor
developingaconsensusvisionforthemultimodaltransportationdesignandmanagement
planforGeorgiaAvenuepresentedinthisdocument.
Major Study Goals
Provideamechanismtocreateacomprehensiveunderstandingofthecurrentand
futuretransportationsystem
-Developanoverallstreetalignment
- Determinethecurb dynamics
-Supporttheneedsandgrowthofthelocalbusiness
Developatransportationmanagementandright-of-wayplanthatsupportsexpanded
economicdevelopmentandlocalmobility.
Developtransportationoptionsthatareconducivetoanurbanuniversitycampus
environment.
Determine impacts of changes to Georgia Avenue on efciencies and multimodal
performanceofotherroadsinthestudyareasystem.
Determine efcient strategies (parallel streets, Georgia Avenue retail) to develop bus
rapidtransitorstreetcarservicealongthecorridor.
Developaplanthatsupportstheneedsanddesiresofthebusiness,residential,and
institutionalcommunities.
FigureA-1:ExistingConditionsonGeorgiaAvenue
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Developaplantoaddresspedestrianstreetcrossinghazardsatintersectionsand
encouragegreaterpedestrianconvenienceandappeal.
Examinemodesoftransportationsuchasbicycling,walking,andmasstransitandhowthese may impact lane congurations, safety, and parking along the corridor.
ProvideoptionsforresolvingnarrowsidewalksandtreespacesonGeorgiaAvenueand
ShermanAvenue.
Developaplanthatwillserveastheguidefortheimplementationofstreetscape,transit,
safety,andadjacentroadwayimprovements.
Study Area
This project examined a specic portion of the entire Georgia Avenue Great Streets corridor:
GeorgiaandShermanAvenuesfromFloridaAvenueNWtoNewHampshireAvenueNW.
Understandingthatimprovementstothissegmentwillhaveimplicationsforcommunities
alongthecorridorandthroughoutthecity,DDOTalsostudiedtheimpactsonadjacent
corridorsandcommunities.
Project Boundaries (See gure A-2)
NewHampshireAvenueNWtothenorth
FloridaAvenueNWtothesouthTheReservoir/4thStreetNWtotheeast
ShermanAvenueNWtothewest
FigureA-2:LowerGeorgiaAvenueStudyArea
ExecutiveSummary
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Revitalization Vision for Lower Georgia Avenue
Acontext-sensitivetransportationnetworkthatbalancesGeorgiaAvenueandSherman
Avenueshouldmodifythecharacterofeachstreet.Thecriticalaspectsofthisrevitalization
vision for the study area are its multimodal quality and genuine reection and response to
thechangingcontextofthearea.ThisstudyaspirestomakeGeorgiaandShermanAvenues
greatplacesforwalking,commerce,andcasualinteractionwhileeffectivelyaccommadating
trafc.
TherichhistoryoftheGeorgiaAvenuecorridorhasbeenerasedfromthepublic
realm.Whilephysicallyimprovingmobilityinthecorridor,thevisionistoimplement
improvementsthatdrawonitsAfrican-Americanheritage.Inparticular,thehistoricHoward
UniversityareashouldbecelebratedandevokedinthestreetscapealongGeorgiaAvenue
betweenFloridaAvenueandBarryPlace.Theentirecorridorcanandshouldbeaculturaldestination,withasteadyrhythmofdistinctiveplacesallthewaytoNewHampshireAvenue. These distinctions will be made through a consistent and dignied palette of
streetscapefeatures.Inaddition,theGeorgiaAvenueandFloridaAvenueintersectionisan
opportunityforagatewayintothiscultural/historicdestination.
To create a distinctive and dignied corridor, the design opportunities for Georgia Avenue
wereinformedbythefollowingconcepts:
Balanced
ThetransportationstrategybalancestravelandtransportationopportunitiesonGeorgiaand
ShermanAvenues.
Distinctive
Both streets should have a special character that identies them as distinctive and great
places for walking, shopping, socializing, commerce, and moving trafc.
Walkable
EachthoroughfareshouldbeinvitingandwalkablewhiledrawingontheareasAfrican-
Americanheritage,particularlythehistoricHowardUniversity.
FigureA-3:ExampleofthePossibleFutureVisionforanUrbanArea
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Safe, Efcient Operation
Designchangesshouldbeimplementedtoimprovewalkability,fosterculturalandhistorical
identy, create gateways, dene corridor entrances, and ensure the efcient and safe operationofallmodesoftravel.
Project Findings
Trafc
Double-parkedvehiclesalongthecorridorblockturns,impedepedestrians,andobstruct
buses.
Trafc signal phasing at Georgia Avenue and Park Road creates vehicle conicts.Lane widths between Barry Place and Florida Avenue result in inefcient trafc
operations.
VehiclesturningleftatBryantStreetandFloridaAvenuecreatequeuingthatblocks
through-movementvehicles.
Pedestrians
WalkabilityvariesconsiderablyonbothGeorgiaandShermanAvenues,rangingfrom
goodtoverypoor.
Somesidewalkscannotbeeasilywidenedbecausebuildingsarebuiltuptothesidewalk.
Many intersections have crosswalks but no trafc signals, and some have no crosswalks
atall.
Bicycles
Bicycles travel on Georgia Avenue with trafc.
BicycletravelisheavyeasttowestcrossingtheGeorgiaAvenuecorridoratColumbia
RoadandHarvard,W,andVStreets.
ExecutiveSummary
FigureA-4:ExistingPedestrianConditionsintheLowerGeorgia
AvenueAreaNeartheHowardUniversityBookstore
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Transit
The70and71busescarryabout20,000riderseverydaythroughthecorridor.
Thecross-townHroutescarrythousandsofresidentstoandfromwork.
Rapidbusservicecouldreducetraveltimeby16percent.
Busesareoftenblockedbydouble-parkedvehicles.
Areductionoflanewidthsinthelowersectionofthecorridorhindersbustravel.
Urban Design
GeorgiaAvenuefromFloridatoNewHampshireAvenuesisnotoneplace,butseveral
largesegmentswithanumberofsmallerfocalpointswithineachsegment.
BusinessesnorthofHarvardStreetappeartoserveneighborhoodneeds.BusinessessouthofHarvardStreetappeartoserveHowardUniversityandHoward
UniversityHospital.
GeorgiaandShermanAvenuesrepresentdifferentstreettypesandseveraldifferent
functions.
Sidewalk pavement, lighting xtures, and street furnishing are inconsistent along the
corridor.
The corridor contains no clear identication of its signicance to African-American
culture.
Recommended Improvements
FigureA-5:GeorgiaAvenueToday
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Improvementsthatcouldbephasedinasfundingbecomesavailablewereconsidered.Short-
term,lower-costimprovementswereprioritized.
Basic improvements
Millandoverlaypavement
Re-stripetravellanesandcrosswalks
Installstripingorpavementtreatmentatdesignatedparkinglanes
Stripe shared lane markings (sharrows) for cyclists, per the Manual of Uniform Trafc
ControlDevices(MUTCD)recommendations
Installtreeboxes/grates
Improvelandscaping
Installconsistentstreetfurniture(trashcans,benches,bicycleracks)
Optimize trafc signal timing
Addcountdownpedestriansignalsatsignalizedintersections
IncreaseparkingenforcementalongGeorgiaAvenue
Addon-streetparkingonnorthbound4thStreetneartheMacmillanReservoirto
substituteforparkingremovalalongGeorgiaAvenue
WorkwithHowardTownCenterandotherdevelopmentstoallowpublicparkingintheir
developments
Thesebasicimprovementswouldprovideconsistencyfordrivers,pedestrians,andcyclists
and should minimize conicts among them. These improvements would not result in an
increaseinautomobilespeedsandthereforewouldnotsubjectpedestriansandbicycliststo
moredangerousconditions,
Moreextensiveimprovements,suchasbulbouts(extensionsofthesidewalkintothe
roadway),willfurtherenhancethepublicrealmandhelpachievetheGreatStreetsnatureof
thecorridor.Moreextensiveimprovementsmustincludeimprovedbusserviceforahighly
transit-dependentpopulation.Theselonger-termimprovementsanticipatethefutureGeorgia
Avenuewillhavebyprovidingresidentswithsafe,convenient,andcomfortablepedestrian
FigureA-6:RecommendedRoadwaySectionforGeorgiaAvenuenear
HowardUniversity
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accesstoretailandentertainmentusesalongandadjacenttothecorridor.
Achievementoftheseobjectives,however,doesrequireatrade-offwiththelossofsomeparkingspaces.Fortunately,withtheextensionofWandBryantStreets,lostparkingspaces
canbeeasilyregained.Inaddition,newdevelopments,suchasHowardTownCenter,can
moreconvenientlysupplypublicparking.Similarstrategieshaveprovensuccessfulin
Bethesda,Rosslyn,andBallston.
Theperceivedvalueofparkingtoretailersmustbebalancedwithafuturepopulationwilling
towalktotheirshops.
Georgia Avenue from Florida Avenue to W Street
AddgatewaytreatmentatGeorgiaAvenue-FloridaAvenueintersection(special
crosswalkpaving,artwork/sculpture)Remove parking along both sides of the street to promote efcient trafc operation
Widentravellanesforsafetravelofvehicles
Recongure lanes at Georgia Avenue-Florida Avenue intersections
Remove hedge on east sidewalk to eliminate conned feel for pedestrians
ImprovecrosswalkstripingatVStreet
InstallpedestriansignageatFloridaAvenueandWStreet
Georgia Avenue from W Street to Barry Place
Remove parking along both sides of street to promote efcient trafc operation
Widentravellanesforsafetravelofvehicles
ImprovecrosswalkstripingatWStreet
AddspecialcrosswalkpavingatBryantStreetandBarryPlace
WidensidewalksatGeorgiaAvenuebetweenBryantStreetandBarryPlace
RelocatecurbcutsforMcDonaldsfromGeorgiaAvenuetoBarryPlace
RemoveexcessivetrashcansonGeorgiaAvenuebetweenBryantStreetandBarryPlace
InstallpedestriansignageatBryantStreetandBarryPlace
FigureA-7:RecommendedRoadwaySectionforGeorgiaAvenueNorth
ofColumbiaRoad
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Georgia Avenue from Barry Place to Euclid Street
AddcurbextensiontosupporttransitusageatHowardPlace
InstallspecialcrosswalkpavingatHowardPlace
ImprovecrosswalkstripingatEuclidStreet
RemoveparkinglanefromHowardPlacetoBarryPlace
Adddedicatedright-turnlanefromsouthboundGeorgiaAvenueontoBarryPlace
Addart(e.g.,mural,painting)onwallinfrontofEuclidStreet
InstallpedestriansignageatHowardPlace
Georgia Avenue from Euclid Street to Columbia Road
RemovepipebarriersbetweenEuclidStreetandColumbiaRoadCreategatewaytreatmentsatHarvardStreetandColumbiaRoad
Removeunnecessarystreetsigns
Improvepavementinalleys
Georgia Avenue from Columbia Road to New Hampshire Avenue
ImprovecrosswalkstripingatIrvingStreetandParkRoad
InstalllightedcrosswalksatLamontStreetandMortonStreets
InstallpedestriansignageatIrvingStreet,LamontStreet,andParkRoad
Revise trafc signal phasing at Park Road to split-phase side street operations
Sherman Avenue Corridor-Wide Improvements
Widensidewalksalongcorridor
Installfour-footbicyclelanesalongcorridor
Reducenumberoftravellanesfromtwoineachdirectiontooneineachdirection
Addlandscapedmedianwithcut-outsfordedicatedleft-turnlanes
ExecutiveSummary
FigureA-8:RecommendedRoadwaySectionforShermanAvenue
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Sherman Avenue from U Street to Florida Avenue
AddpedestriancrosswalkatVStreet
Sherman Avenue from Florida Avenue to Euclid Street
Constructtwo-laneroundaboutatShermanAvenueandtheextendedBryantStreet
AddpedestriansignageatBarryPlaceandEuclidStreet
Sherman Avenue from Euclid Street to New Hampshire Avenue
Constructtwo-laneroundaboutatShermanAvenueandParkRoad
AddpedestriansignageatIrvingStreetandParkRoad
Recommended Streetscape Elements
Intersections
DecorativestreetprintpatterncrosswalkwithAfricanmotifatkeyintersections
Bump-outsidewalkareastoimprovepedestriansafety
SecondaryIntersections(allotherintersections)
-Standardpaintedladdercrosswalk
-Bump-outsidewalkareastoimprovepedestriansafety
-Poured-in-placeconcretewheelchairramps
Roadway Surfaces
SpecialroadwaysurfaceatHowardTownCenter(VStreettoBarryPlace)
Standardblackasphaltforstandardroadwaysurfaces
ParkinglaneswithLIDtreatment
Dedicatedbuslanewithred-coloredasphaltroadwaysurfaceandstampedtexture
FigureA-9:StreetscapeImprovementsforGeorgiaAvenueatBryant
Street
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Sidewalk Surfaces
ConcretesidewalksforGeorgiaAvenuecornerpavers
Street Trees and Plantings
Continuoustreepitswherepossible
Ornamentalfencefortreepitprotection
Treepitgroundcover
Ornamentaltreesandplantingsinplantingbedsatselectcornermini-parklocations
andatselectwidesidewalkareas
Street Furniture
TrashreceptaclesstandardDDOT;tobelocatedincurbzone
BenchesstandardDDOT;tobelocatedincurbzone
BicycleracksstandardU-shapebikerackstobelocatedincurbzoneorbumpoutzone
Newspapercorralsstackablecorrals;tobelocatedincurbzone.
Streetlightsteardropstandardatintersections,doubleWashingtonglobesfromFlorida
AvenuetoGreshamPlace,andsingleWashingtonglobefromGreshamPlacetoOtis
Place.
Parkingmetersmulti-spacedevicesforon-streetparking
Busshelters
FigureA-10:NewLinearEntranceatBannekerPark
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Special Streetscape Elements
LinearstreetparkatBannekerPark,with24-footsidewalksetbackintoparkand
retainingwallsthatdoubleasseating
Culturalheritageandinterpretiveelements
Historicsignage
WalkofFame:commemorativeplaqueslocatedfromFairmontStreettoBarryPlace
Publicartopportunities
AccentgatewayelementsatFloridaAvenue
-Decorativebollardslocatedatcurbedge
-Buildinglightingfromstreetlightpoles
AccentgatewayselementsatkeyHowardUniversityentrances
Decorative ags and ag poles at Howard Place and Fairmont Street
FigureA-11:NewLookforShermanAvenue
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Introduction&Background
B. Introduction
i. Project Goalsii. Project Timeline
iii. Report Organization
C. Study Area
D. History
i. History of the Corridor
ii. Comprehensive Plan
iii. Previous Studies Completed in Study Area
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B. IntroductionGeorgiaAvenueNWisamultimodalcorridorstrivingtomeetmultipledemands:frequent
transit service, heavy pedestrian trafc, rush-hour commuters, local auto destinations, cross-
commutingbicyclists,andrecurrentbusinessdeliveries.Alimitedright-of-wayinthelower
portionofthecorridorservesasabottlenecktovehicles.Pedestrianfacilitiesarenarrow
and generally insufcient for demand. Bicycle facilities are nonexistent despite demand.Currently, the efcient and reliable mobility of all travel modes is compromised. This in turn
presentsachallengetofuturedevelopmentandeconomicexpansion.TheGeorgiaAvenue
commercialcorridorispartofagridsysteminwhichprimarilyresidentialstreetsprovideparallel routes. Efforts are now under way to reduce the impacts of auto trafc on these
residentialcorridors.
GeorgiaAvenueisalsointhemidstofchange.TheDeputyMayorforPlanningand
Economic Development and the Ofce of Planning have designated Georgia Avenue
formajorrezoningandredevelopmenttotransitiontheblightedcommunitytoamajor
destinationforthecityanditsresidents.Aspartoftheredevelopmentefforts,DDOT
commissionedanin-depthexaminationofGeorgiaAvenuetoimprovecurrenttransportationconditionsandtofacilitateexpandedlocaleconomicdevelopmentandmobility.Since
thecurrenttransportationconditionsresultinunacceptablemobilityandmovement,any
additionalimpactsonGeorgiaAvenuewouldbeequallyunacceptable.DDOTiscommitted
tomakingmajortransportationinvestmentsandimprovementsalongthecorridor,including
improvementstothestreetscapeandthepublicrealm,andtoprioritizetransit,economic
development,overallsafety,and,inparticular,pedestrianandbicyclistneedsalongthe
corridor.
ThepurposeoftheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovements
Studyistodevelopaconsensusvisionforamultimodaltransportationdesignand
managementplanthatissupportedandagreeduponbythecommunity.Theconceptdesign
should help create a vibrant, diversied corridor and commercial neighborhood whileimproving the efciency of movement of all modes through this principal arterial as part of a
cityandregionaltransportationsystem.Thisreportrepresentstheworktodateonthiseffort
andpresentstherecommendedtransportationdesignandmanagementplanforarevitalized
LowerGeorgiaAvenue.
FigureB-1:ExisitingConditionsintheLowerGeorgia
AvenueStudyArea
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Major Study Goals
MajorstudygoalsfortheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscape
ImprovementsStudyarelistedbelow:
Provideamechanismtocreateacomprehensiveunderstandingofthecurrentandfuture
transportationsystem
-Developanoverallstreetalignment
- Determinethecurb dynamics
-Supporttheneedsandgrowthoflocalbusinesses
Developatransportationmanagementandright-of-wayplanthatsupportsexpanded
economicdevelopmentandlocalmobility.
Developtransportationoptionsthatareconducivetoanurbanuniversitycampus
environment.
Determine impacts of changes to Georgia Avenue on efciencies and multimodal
performanceofotherroadsinthestudyareasystem.
Determine efcient strategies (parallel streets, Georgia Avenue retail, etc) to develop bus
rapidtransitorstreetcarservicealongthecorridor.
Developaplanthatsupportstheneedsanddesiresofthebusiness,residentialand
institutionalcommunities.
Developaplantoaddresspedestrianstreetcrossinghazardsatintersections,and
encouragegreaterpedestrianconvenienceandappeal.
Examine the impact of bicycling, walking, and mass transit on lane congurations,
safety,andparkingalongthecorridor.
ProvideoptionsforresolvingnarrowsidewalksandtreespacesonGeorgiaAvenueand
ShermanAvenue.
Developaplanthatwillserveastheguidefortheimplementationofstreetscape,transit,
safety,andadjacentroadwayimprovements.
Introduction
FigureB-2:IntersectionConditionsNeartheHoward
UniversityHospital
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Great Streets Program
TheGreatStreetsProgramissimilartomanyseminalplanningeffortsthathavehelpedmakeWashington, DC a world-class city. It is poised to redene critical neighborhood streets
asthecentersoftheircommunitiesandhelpexpandthecitysvitalitybydistributingnew
benets equitably. Soon many of the neighborhood retail streets including the Great Streets
programwillbeamongthecitysbestplacestolive,work,play,andinvest.Allinall,these
GreatStreetswillprovideanimpetusforbringingpopulationbacktoWashington,generating
commerce,creatingjobs,expandingtheDistrictstaxbase,andimprovingthequalityoflife
foritsresidents.Thesecorridorsextendmorethan20milesandimpacthalftheDistricts
residents in 50 different neighborhoods. The rst round of Great Streets corridors are
targeted,inpart,becauseofthewell-organizedcommunityinfrastructureandnetworksin
place.AllGreatStreetscorridorshavelongbeenapriorityfortheirlocalneighborhoods.
Neighborhoodstakeholdersadvocatedforimprovementtothesecorridorsthroughstrategic
neighborhoodactionplans(SNAPs)andotherpriority-settinginitiatives.Active,organized
neighborhoodassociations,orcivicgroups,helpguideandparticipateinstreetscape
improvements.ThecorridorstargetedbytheGreatStreetsprogramhavehistoricallylacked
thelevelofinvestmentenjoyedbyotherprominentstreetsintheDistrict.Thetargeted
corridorsalsocorrespondtoareastargetedunderothercityprogramsandinitiatives,
suchas:ReSTORE DC Main Streets, the Home Again initiative, public safety Hot Spots,
and New Communities
GreatStreetsbringtogetheralltheseprograms.
ThegoalsoftheGreatStreetsProgramareasfollows:
ImprovethequalityoflifeinneighborhoodsalongGreatStreetscorridors,byimprovingpublicsafety,physicalappearance,andpersonalopportunity
Supportlocaldemandforgoodsandservicesthrougheconomicdevelopment
Expand mobility choices and improve safety and efciency of all modes of travel
AttractprivateinvestmentthroughthedemonstrationofapubliccommitmenttoGreat
Streetscommunities
1.
2.
3.
4.
FigureB-3:ExampleofGreatStreetsAmentiyArea
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Project Timeline
This study represents the rst phase in a three-phased approach to implement improvementsfortheLowerGeorgiaAvenuecorridor.Phase1,schedualedfromFall2006toSummer
2007isthemajorstudyeffortsandthedevelopmentofthetransportationmanagementplan
andthepreferredconceptdesign.PhaseIIwillbethebeginningandcompletionofthe
designforLowerGeorgiaAvenueandwillextendfromFall2007toSpring2008.Phase
IIIrepresentstheconstructionofthemajorimprovementsfortheLowerGeorgiaAvenue
corridor,whichisanticipatedtobegininFall2008.Overall,DDOThascommittedmore
than$6millionforinvestmentsonGeorgiaAvenueandwantstoimplementimprovements
quickly.
Introduction
FigureB-4:GeorgiaAvenuenearWonderPlaza
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C. StudyAreaTheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovementsStudyareais
borderedbyShermanAvenuetothewest,NewHampshireAvenuetothenorth,Florida
Avenuetothesouth,andtheMcMillanReservoir/4thStreettotheeast.
Geographically,thestudyareaiswithinWard1andoverlapstheAdvisoryNeighborhood
Commissionarea(ANC),1AnorthofColumbiaRoad,andANC1BsouthofColumbia
Road.NeighborhoodclustersincludeMountPleasant,ColumbiaHeights,ParkView,
HowardUniversity,LeDroitPark,andCardozo/Shaw.Thestudyareaisaproximately
onemilenorthofthedowntownandmonumentalcoreofWashingtonDC.
Publicserviceswithinthestudyareaincludetworecreationcenters:Banneker
CommunityCenteronGeorgiaAvenueandParkviewCommunityCenteronOtisPlace.
Fire Station 4 on Sherman Avenue serves the study area along with a post ofce on
GeorgiaAvenue.SchoolsintheareaincludeBenjaminBannekerHighSchoolonEuclid
StreetandBruceMonroeElementarySchoolonGeorgiaAvenue.
HowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospitalarethemajoremployerswithin
thestudyarea.ThestudentpopulationatHowardUniversityismorethan11,000.
ThehospitalhasservedasthenationslargesthospitalservingtheAfrican-American
communityformorethan140years.Boththeuniversityandthehospitalattractalarge
volumeofpedestrians.
ThecorridorisservedbyboththeWashingtonMetropolitanAreaTransitAuthoritys
(WMATA)MetrobusandMetrorailservice.MetrobusroutesprovideserviceonGeorgia
Avenue,ShermanAvenue,NewHampshireAvenue,IrvingStreet,andColumbia
Road.TheGeorgiaAvenue-PetworthMetrorailStationlocatedatNewHampshireand
GeorgiaAvenuesproviderailserviceontheGreenandYellowlines.TheShaw-Howard
UniversityMetroStationjustsouthofthestudyareaalsoprovidesaccesstotheGreen
andYellowlines.
ThestudyareaisshowninFigureC-1.FigureC-1:AerialViewofStudyArea
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D. HistoryHistory of Georgia Avenue
Mid-20thcenturydisinvestmentandneglecthavetakentheirtollonthecorridor.Commercialestablishments,whichoncethrivedonthepatronageoftheresidences
andinstitutionsaroundthem,declinedascompetitionfromsuburbanretailgrew,local
residentialpopulationsdeclined,andAmericantravelbehaviorturnedmoretowardthe
convenienceoftheprivateautomobileandawayfromthetraditionalmodesofwalking,
biking,andtransit.
TheGeorgiaAvenuestreetcarlinewasreplacedbybusserviceinthe1930s,andbythe
1960sthestreethadbecomeamajorautomobilethoroughfare,orientedmoretoward
shuttlingcommutersbetweenMarylandanddowntownWashington,DCthansupporting
andstrengtheningthelocalneighborhoodsandretailestablishments.Long-standing
communitiesarerepresentedalongthecorridor,asaremorerecentCaribbean,Latino,and
Africanimmigrantcommunities.Thisvarietyisuniqueinthecity.
Howard University, the rst university open to African-Americans in the south, is located
intheheartofthestudyarea.Theuniversitycontinuestobeanimportantsourcefor
African-Americanhistoryandculture.
Metrorailserviceswereimplementedinphasesalongthecorridor,beginningwiththe
openingoftheShawandUStreetStationsin1991andthePetworthMetroStationin
1999.Transitconnectivity,however,remainsinadequatenorthofthePetworthStation
andimprovedintermodalconnectivitybetweenrailandbusisneeded.Oneimportant
newtransitelementinthecorridor,designedtoenhancethespeedoftripsbothalong
andthroughthecorridor,istheMetroExtraenhancedbusservice,whichbeganinspring2007.
Howard University
HowardUniversity,ahistoricalblackuniversityisaCarnegieDoctoral/Research
UniversityinWashington,DC,establishedin1867bycongressionalorder.Notable
alumniincludeNobelLaureateToniMorrison,SupremeCourtJusticeThurgoodMarshall
(HowardUniversityLawSchool),OssieDavis,DebbieAllen,RobertaFlack,Claude
Brown,ShakaHislop,StokeleyCarmichael,RichardSmallwood,andPhyliciaRashad.
FigureD-1:HistoricPhotosofGeorgia
Avenue
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HowardUniversitygrantsmorePh.DstoAfrican-Americansthananyotheruniversityin
theUnitedStates.
MuchofHowardsearlyfundingcamefromendowment,privatebenefaction,andtuition.
AnannualcongressionalappropriationadministeredbytheSecretaryoftheInterioralso
fundedtheschool.Today,itisamemberschooloftheThurgoodMarshallScholarship
Fund.Fromitsoutset,theuniversitywasnonsectarianandopentopeopleofbothsexes
andallraces.Howardhasgraduateschoolsoflaw,medicine,dentistry,anddivinity,
inadditiontoitsundergraduateprogram.Theenrollmentin2003wasapproximately
11,000,including7,000undergraduates.Theuniversitysfootballhomecomingactivities
serveasoneofthepremierannualeventsinWashington.
HowardUniversityhasplayedanimportantroleinAmericanhistoryandthecivil
rightsmovementonanumberofoccasions.AlainLocke,ChairoftheDepartmentof
Philosophy and the rst African-American Rhodes Scholar, authored The New Negro,which helped usher in the Harlem Renaissance. Ralph Bunche, the rst Nobel Peace
PrizewinnerofAfricandescent,servedaschairoftheDepartmentofPoliticalScience.
StokelyCarmichael,(alsoknownasKwameToure),astudentintheDepartmentof
Philosophy,coinedthetermBlackPowerandworkedinAlabama,asavotingrights
activist.HistorianRayfordLoganservedaschairoftheDepartmentofHistory,E.
FranklinFrazierservedaschairoftheDepartmentofSociology,andSterlingAllen
BrownservedaschairoftheDepartmentofEnglish.
Afterbeingrefusedadmissiontothethenwhites-onlyUniversityofMarylandSchool
ofLaw,ThurgoodMarshall,ayoungLincolnUniversitygraduate,enrolledatHoward
UniversitySchoolofLawinstead.TherehestudiedunderCharlesHamiltonHouston,a
HarvardLawSchoolgraduateandleadingcivilrightslawyerwhoatthetimewasdean
ofHowardslawschool.HoustontookMarshallunderhiswing,andthetwoforged
afriendshipthatwouldlastfortheremainderofHoustonslifeandforeverchange
America.HowardUniversitywasthesitewhereMarshallandhisteamoflegalscholars
fromaroundthenationpreparedtoarguethelandmarkBrownv.BoardofEducationcase.
FigureD-2:FoundersLibraryontheCampusofHowardUniversity
isanIconicBuildingthathasBeenDeclaredaNationalHistoric
Landmark
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Previous Studies Completed in the Study Area
TheprimarymissionoftheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovementsprojectistosynthesizethepastplanningworkinthecorridorintoa
coherehentdesign.TheteamreviewedpaststudieslistedinFigureD-4andextracted
the general objective and specic transportation-related ndings.
Overall,planningdocumentssuchastheGreatStreetsFramework,theDUKEplan
andtheSNAPplansemphasizeusingtransportationinfrastructureenhancementsto
demonstratepublicsupportandattentiontothearea,inordertodrawneweconomicinvestment. The Rapid Bus Study details specic locations where bulb-outs can improve
passengerboarding,andsignaltiming/prioritizationcanimprovetraveltimes.Italso
suggestsdedicatedtransitlanesforimprovedservice.
GeorgiaAvenueisgoingthroughatransformation.Thecommunityalongthisdistinctivestreethasparticipatedinextensivepublicmeetingsandhascommunicateditsvisionandobjectives in various studies. In order to focus on design principals, the specic design
recommendations in each study were identied and considered as the team developed
designs for transportation and streetscape alternatives. These improvements are the rst
stepinGeorgiaAvenuerealizingitspotentialtobeaGreatStreet.
FigureD-4:CoveroftheDUKEReport,oneofthe
PreviousStudiesReviewedforthisReport
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TableD-1:PreviousStudiesintheStudyArea
Study General Key Finding Key Findings Related to Georgia Avenue Study
Great Streets Framework
Plan
Streetscape recommendations, transit recom-
mendations, trafc recommendations
Base study of the Lower Georgia Avenue Study
Suggests ROW specications (based on 4 different sections of the corridor)
Pedestrian facility improvements identied
Bicycle route proposed
Rapid Bus Lines suggested for the study area (suggests headway times also)Planting and tree strips suggested in different areas of the corridor
Free standing and intersection art proposed
Sherman Avenue Strip MapSpecic streetscape and transportation nd-
ings
Provides ROW specications for the corridor
Curb dynamics and curb extensions suggestedSidewalk widening
New bus shelter location recommendations
Additional parking lanes recommendations
Left turn lane addition recommendations within corridor
Green space, landscape, and low shrubs suggested
Stop signs and do not enter signs suggested within the study area
Bicycle Master Plan Facilities recommendations Designated bicycle lanes given (4th Street, Columbia Road, Harvard Street, U Street, V Street, W Street, and T Street)Bicycle Plan Route within study area identied; Streets include: Lamont Avenue, Kenyon Street, and New Hampshire Avenue
DUKE Draft DevelopmentFramework for a Cultural
Destination District
Parking, public realm, transit-oriented develop-ment, pedestrian, and bicycle related actions
Road extension proposed within study area (W Street and Bryant Street from Georgia Avenue to Florida Avenue)Creation of an African-American Cultural Destination suggested
Coordination of transportation improvements with rapid transit for the corridor suggested
New Hampshire AvenueLocal Trafc Study
Specic streetscape,ROW ndings
Reduction of the road width of Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues by installing medians suggested
Sidewalk, bulb out, Share the Road signs, and high visibility crosswalk installations suggested for the study area
Elimination of parking suggested in areas within the study areaElimination of left turns suggested in intersections within study area
Tree and hedge replacement suggested
Rapid Bus StudyBus streetscape ndings
Curb dynamic ndings
Curb extensions suggested
Passenger amenity areas suggested
Georgia Avenue/Petworth
Transit Area Revitalization
Specic trafc, parking, transit, key intersec-
tions, pedestrian, bicycle, and public realm
ndings
Speed reductions and trafc calming measures suggested
Sidewalk widening, pedestrian improvement and signal installation
Addition of bicycle racks suggested for areas in the study areaElimination of bus bay along the west side of Georgia Avenue suggested
Uptown Destination DistrictParking, transit, transit-oriented development,
pedestrian, bicycle, and public realm act ions
Creation of a walkable district suggested
Suggestion of designing of public places for programmable activities suggested for study area
Howard University Master
PlanTrafc/Parking Modications
Parking management and pricing strategies suggested
Parking assignment percentage for Howard University suggested (10 percent of total parking supply)Modication of on-campus vehicle circulation patterns
Inclusion of left, right and thru lanes suggested for Sherman Avenue at Euclid Avenue suggested
Exterior lighting improvements on Georgia Avenue and on campus
Transit Alternatives Repor t Transit improvement ndings Need for more time efcient transit ident ied for the study area
U Street Transportation and
Streetscape
Parking modication ndings, trafc and
streetscape modications/recommendations
Parking removal and parking additions suggested within the study area
Green space and landscape improvements identied thru the corridor
History
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ProjectProcessE. Public Participation
i. Processii. Public Meetings
F. Corridor Revitalization Vision and Guidelines
i. Great Streets Plan
ii. Corridor Vision Plan
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Public Participation Process
AcomprehensiveeffortwasmadetoengagelocalbusinessesandtheresidentialcommunityintheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovements
StudybetweenJune2006andMay2007.Usingacommunity-basedplanningapproach,
extensiveoutreachwasconductedwithstakeholderstoencourageparticipationandinvite
theiropinions,concerns,andideas.Thepublicinformationcomponentwasinteractive
andoverseenbyaSteeringCommitteeconsistingofacross-sectionofcommunity,
civic,andbusinessleaders.Sevenmeetingswereheld,andmeetingsummarieswere
preparedanddistributedbroadlyviadirectmail,online,andatpubliclibrarydisplays.
Considerableeffortwasmadetoensurethatcommunicationswereclear,transparent,and
inclusive.
Thefollowingoutreachwasconductedtoengagethecommunity:
Door-to-doordistributionofmeetingnoticesandface-to-facecontactwithevery
businessalongtheLowerGeorgiaAvenuecorridorwasmadepriortoeachofthe
threecommunitymeetings.
Three thousand iers were hand-delivered to residents between 4th Street and
ShermanAvenueandbetweenFloridaAvenueandNewHampshireAvenueprior
toeachofthethreecommunitymeetings.PresentationsweremadeatANC1A
CommunityMeetings.
PresentationsweremadeatANC1Acommunitymeetings.
TelephoneoutreachwasconductedtomembersoftheSteeringCommitteeandkey
individualstobuildattendanceateachSteeringCommitteeandcommunitymeeting.Thosecontactedincludedthefollowing:
AdvisoryNeighborhoodCommissionersforANC1AandANC1B
Keycivicandcommunityorganizationsrepresentingnon-Englishspeaking
residents
Educational, cultural, faith, and nonprot organizations
GeorgiaAvenuebusinessleaders
Smallbusinessownersandlocaldevelopers
A.
B.
C.
D.
FigureE-1:CitizensAttendingaLowerGeorgiaAvenueCommunity
Meeting
E.PublicParticipation
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Pre-eventpublicitywasgeneratedthroughmediaadvisoriesandfollow-upmedia
outreach,whichincludedthefollowingmediaoutlets:
TheWashingtonPost NewsChannel8
WJLA-TV7ABC WUSA-TV9CBSWOL-AM
SatelliteOne XMRadio
WTOPRadio WHUR
WMMJ WTTG-TV5FOX
ABCRadio RadioOne
ClearChannel WMALRadio
WPFW WRC-TV4NBC
CurrentNewspapers ElTiempoLatino
ElPregonero LaNacion
HispanicLink HillRag TheIntowner WashingtonAfro-American
KoreanTimes AsianFortune
CapitalCommunityNews TheCommonDenominator
TheWashingtonBusinessJournal WashingtonInformer
CapitolSpotlight
Media relations were coordinated with Councilmember Jim Grahams ofce, DDOT
Director Emeka Monemes ofce, and DDOTs Public Information Ofcer, Erik
Linden.Pre-eventnoticesappearedinTheWashingtonPostsDistrictWeekly,the
NorthwestCurrent,andtheWashingtonInformer.Publicserviceannouncements
(PSAs)weremadeonChannels4and16andWPFW.
Channel16providedday-of-eventandpost-eventmediacoverageandairedeachcommunity meeting and workshop for ve days.
Aphotographicrecordwasmadeofeachcommunitymeetingandworkshop.
CopiesofeachSteeringCommitteeandcommunitymeetingsummarywereavailable
atthePetworthandMartinLutherKingJr.LibrariesandonDDOTswebsite.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
FigureE-2:CitizensParticipateattheDesignWorkshopinwhich
ResidentswereGivenaChancetoConsiderChangesintheCorridor
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Public Meetings
Thecomprehensivecommunityengagementforthestudyresultedinbroadawareness
andcommunityparticipation.SeveralcommunityleadersapplaudedDDOTforengaging
localbusinessesandresidentstoparticipateintheearlydesignprocess.Thefollowing
publicmeetingswereheld:
October10,2006 30peopleattendedtheinitialSteeringCommitteemeeting.
November14,2006 70peopleparticipatedintheCommunityWorkshop.
December6,2006 20peopleattendedtheSteeringCommitteemeeting.
January27,2007 100peopleparticipatedintheCommunityDesignWorkshop.
May22,2007 60peopleparticipatedintheCommunityOpenHouseand DesignPresentation.
Commentsandconcernsofbusinessownerswhowereunabletoattendthesemeetings
wereobtainedduringdoor-to-dooroutreach.Someownersexpressedconcernsthattheir
businesseswouldbeadverselyaffectedbytheredevelopmentofGeorgiaAvenueduring
constructionandbyareductioninavailableon-streetparking.Thestudyaddressedthese
concerns during its nal design and proposal for off-street, garage parking. FigureE-3:DDOTDirectorEmekaMonemeInteractswithResidentsataCommunityMeeting
PublicParticipation
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Great Streets Plan
TheGreatStreetsFrameworkPlandevelopedtransportationrecommendationsforeachcorridor, dened in three modal parts: pedestrian/bicycle, transit, and vehicular. These
recommendationswereusedasthefoundationfortheconceptdesign.
Right-of-Way (ROW) Conguration
TheillustrationsforSectionsAthroughDshowtheoptionsfortheright-of-way
congurations created by the Great Streets Framework Plan. Sections A and B illustrate
twotravellanessouthbound(towardthedowntownWashingtonDCarea),andasingle
lanenorthbound(towardtheSilverSpring,Maryland,area).OptionsCandDeach
showtwotravellanesinboththenorthboundandsouthbounddirections,withnotransitlanedesignation.ForSectionA,oneofthesouthboundtravellanesisdesignatedasa
sharedtransitlane,andtheotherwouldbeasingletravellane.Theonlytravellanein
thenorthbounddirectionforthissectionisasharedtransitlane.SectionBdiffersfrom
SectionAintheamountofright-of-wayallocatedforstreetscape(12feetoneachsideof
thestreet).Theright-of-wayis50feetforbothSectionsAandB.Allsectionsincludean
8-foot-wideparkinglaneineachdirection.
ROWOption1RapidBusImprovements
Section A and B, the improvements create an asymmetrical conguration with travel
lanes
ROWOption2StreetcarImprovements
Curbsidetransitstopswouldrequirethestreetcartomaneuverintoatravellanefrom
thesharedtransitlane.
Pedestrian facilities
TheGreatStreetsPlanrecommendsthatbulboutsbeconstructedatintersections
adjacenttobusstopsanddedicatedparkinglanes.Inaddition,highvisibilitycrosswalk
improvementsweresuggestedforareasalongthecorridor.ForSectionBonly,the
sidewalkwouldbewidenedtwofeetoneachside.
F.CorridorRevitalizationVision&Guidelines
FigureF-2:SectionBofProposedGreatStreetsCrossSection
FigureF-1:SectionAofProposedGreatStreetsCrossSection
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FigureF-3:SectionCofProposedGreatStreetsCrossSection
FigureF-4:SectionDofProposedGreatStreetsCross
Section
Bike facilities
Suggestedbicycleusesforthecorridorincludethefollowing:
Facilitatebicycleuseatthesouthernendofthecorridorbyasignedbicyclerouteon
6thStreetfromKStreettoUStreet.Theroutewouldcontinueon4thand5thStreets
betweenTStreetandColumbiaRoad.
Atthenorthernendofthecorridor,13thStreetwouldserveasasignedbicycleroute
fromHarvardStreettoPineyBranchRoad.ExistingbicyclelanesonPineyBranch
Roadarerecommendedtobeextendedto13thStreetintheBicycleMasterPlan.
HarvardStreetandColumbiaRoadprovidedirectionalconnectivitybetweenthetwo
routes.
Vehicle/Parking facilities
Signalcoordinationandtransitsignalprioritizationshouldbereviewedandimprovements
implemented as necessary to provide an efcient and effective corridor for all modes of
trafc. For all sections, left-turn pockets should be striped at intersections where no bulb-
outsareplanned.
Right-of-WayOption1RapidBus
Parkinglaneswouldbeprovidedalongtheentirelengthofthecorridor,andthe
provisionforoff-streetparkingatretaillocationswouldencouragepedestrianuseofthe
areaoncetheirvehiclehasbeenparked.
Travelingsouthboundintodowntown,twotravellaneswouldbemaintainedtheentire
lengthofthecorridor.
SectionsAandBwouldhaveonetravellanefromdowntown,transitioningtotwotravel
lanesinSectionsCandD.
Right-of-WayOption2Streetcar
Parkinglaneswouldbeprovidedalongtheentirelengthofthecorridor,withthe
exceptionofSectionC,whereparkingwouldberestrictedduringpeakperiods.
Off-peaktravellaneswouldberestrictedtoasinglelaneineachdirection,asshownin
SectionC.
CorridorRevitalizationVision&Guidelines
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Corridor Vision
Greatstreetsrarelyhappenbyaccident;greatstreetsrequirevision,knowledge,andimplementationtomakethemhappen.ThevisionstatedintheGreatStreetsFramework
Planfor7thStreet,GeorgiaAvenueisasfollows:
ProvidingadirectconnectionfromDowntownSilverSpringandDowntown
Washington,DC,GeorgiaAvenueisaveryurbancorridor.MajorEducational,
InstitutionalandCulturaldestinationslinetheCorridor.Highqualityenhancedtransit
shuttlespatronstotheDistinctandvariedretailandemploymentcentersseparated
byexpandedresidentialneighborhoods.Inspirationfordesignisdrawnfromtherich
culturaldiversity.
Thevisionalsoincludescreatingacontext-sensitivetransportationnetworkwith
GeorgiaandShermanAvenuesservingasfocuscorridorswhereimprovementswouldbe
madetomakeeachstreetagreatplaceforwalking,commerce,casualinteraction,and
transportation.
Inaddition,thevisionincludesmakingGeorgiaAvenueawalkable,invitingmultimodal
corridorthatdrawsonitsAfrican-Americanheritage,particularlythehistoricHoward
University,tocreateaculturaldestinationalongGeorgiaAvenuebetweenFloridaAvenue
andBarryPlace.ThevisionincludestransitionstodistinctiveplacesnorthalongGeorgia
AvenuetoNewHampshireAvenuethattakeadvantageoftheGeorgiaAvenue/Florida
Avenueintersectiontocreateagatewayintothisculturalandhistoricaldestination.
Distinctive and dignied themes and objectives for design opportunities for GeorgiaAvenueareasfollows:
Walkability
Cultural/historicaldestination
Gateway
Efcient operation of all modes
Figure F-5: A Conuence of Several Attractive Design Elements
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Design Guidelines and Elements
Walkability
Thegoalistopromotewalkabilitybyprovidingacomfortableandsafepedestrian
experiencealongGeorgiaandShermanAvenues.Thebeststreetsarepleasantfor
pedestrians.Theycontaindestinationsforthosewalkingandprioritizetheirneedssuch
thatvehiclesareslowedtoallowsaferandmorecomfortablepedestriancrossings.
Distinctive and complementary design elements:
Improvedcrossings
Alternativepavingmaterials,includingpermeableunitpavers
Striping
Signage
Widesidewalks
Landscaping
Barriersremoved(pipingremoved)
Treegrates/fences/boxesreplacedorrepaired
Benches
Goodmaintenance
Alternative Paving Materials
Alternative pavement materials provide opportunities for spatial denition and the
recognitionofspecialareas.Theyshouldbethoughtfullyselectedandarrangedsoasto
achievethefollowing:
Fulll functional, safety, and durability requirements: Pavement materials should be
ofhighquality,durable,andlowmaintenance.Thefurnishingzoneinretailareas
shouldbeofpermeableunitpaverswhenpossible.
FigureF-6:ExamplesofImprovedPedestrianCrossings
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Supportandexpressthedesigntheme:Thedesign,color,andmaterialsofvisible
pavement should fulll its supporting role as an important visual element of the overall
designtheme.Numerousdesignsarepossible.
Emphasizespecialareas:Specialpavingishighlyeffectiveatdelineatingspatial
relationshipsandcallingattentiontofocalareas.
Specic Recommendations
Pedestriandesignelementsforthisprojecthavebeencategorizedintothefollowingthree
areas:
Gatewayimprovements
Transit-orientedimprovementstoimprove,ease,andenhancethewalk/transittransition.Crossingsshouldbesafeorshortened.
Overallpedestrianactivitydesignelementsshouldenhancepedestrianactivityinthe
area.
Table F-1: Intersections where Opportunities Exist for Pedestrian Enhancements
GatewayTransit-
Oriented
Enhanced
pedestrian
activity
GeorgiaAvenueatFloridaAvenue * *GeorgiaAvenueatWStreet *
GeorgiaAvenueatBarryPlace/
BryantStreet*
GeorgiaAvenueatIrvingStreet * *
GeorgiaAvenueatLamontStreet * *
GeorgiaAvenueatParkRoad * *
GeorgiaAvenueatHowardPlace * *
FigureF-7:ExamplesofAlternativePavingMaterials
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Plannedpedestrianimprovementsatthefollowingkeyintersectionsshouldbereviewed
toensureappropriatepedestrianenhancementsaremade:
ShermanAvenueandBarryPlaceShermanAvenueandEuclidStreet
ShermanAvenueandIrvingStreet
ShermanAvenueandParkRoad
Opportunity Segments along Georgia Avenue for Pedestrian Enhancements
FloridaAvenuetoWStreet
This section of sidewalk is six feet wide, which typically is sufcient for pedestrian
activity. However, a hedge adjacent to the sidewalk creates a conned feel for
pedestrians. This section would benet from pedestrian treatments, organized street
furniture,andmorespaceforpedestrianactivity.Thissegmentshouldemphasizethe
culturaldestinationandguidepedestrianstoHowardUniversityandHowardUniversity
Hospital,aswellasotherimportantdestinations.
WStreettoBarryPlace
Currently this segment connes pedestrians and has high volumes of trafc (all
transportation modes). Organized street furniture and improved pedestrian ow are
needed.Thesegmentshouldemphasizetheculturaldestinationandguidepedestrians
toHowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospitalasdistinctandimportant
destinations.
BarryPlacetoEuclidStreet
Thissegmentpresentsexistingobstaclesformultimodaltransportation,includingahigh
chain-linkfenceonthewestsideofGeorgiaAvenueandawallontheeastside.The
landscapingandplantingshouldcreatevarietyandevokeHowardUniversity.Streetscape
designelementsshouldberescaledtocreateapedestrianpaththroughartandlandscape.
Theheritageanddistinctivedesignelementsmentionedaboveshouldbecontinued,but
theyshouldtransitiontodesignelementsappropriateforresidentialandsmallbusinesses
alongthissegment.
FigureF-8:StreetFurnitureandDistinctivePlantings
CorridorRevitalizationVision&Guidelines
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EuclidStreettoColumbiaRoad
Thissegmentcontainsseveralcurbcutsfordriveways.Inaddition,theexisting
pedestrianenvironmenthasvaryingsidewalkwidthsandcontainsbarriers(piperailings).Smallbusinessesandretailarelocatedinthissegment.Thepedestrianrealmneedstobe
improvedbyremovingthepiperailings,unnecessarystreetsignsandsidewalkobstacles,
enhancingpedestriancrossings,andpotentiallynarrowinglanewidthstoextendthe
sidewalkandshortenpedestriancrossings.Alleysshouldbeimprovedsodeliveriescan
bemovedoffofGeorgiaAvenue.
ColumbiaRoadtoNewHampshireAvenue
Thissegmentshouldcontinuethedistinctivethemeofthecorridorbutvarythedesign
elements to reect the design of New Hampshire Avenue and be consistent with the
priorities and intersection design expressed in the New Hampshire Avenue trafc study.
Cultural/Historical Destinations
The streetscape should reect, serve, and enhance the cultural and historical destination.
DistinctiveandComplementaryDesignElements:
Architecturalcontinuity
Detaileddesignandqualityconstruction
Culturalheritageplaquesandsigns
Streetfurniture
Alternatepavingmaterials
Plantings and landscaping provide outstanding opportunities for spatial denition
andthepositiveexpressionoflandscapecharacter
Publicart
BikerackdesignthatevokestheAfrican-Americanculturalthemeofthecorridor
Pedestrian-onlywalkway/plazastreet
Transitsheltersandfacilitieswithculturalandhistoricaldesign
Greenspace
FigureF-9:ExamplesofWideSidewalkswithLandscaping
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Cultural/HistoricalDestinationOpportunityAreas:
AnopportunityexistsattheSherman/Florida/Bryantintersectiontocreatea
complementarygatewaywithapublicart/performancespace/smallparkspace.Eventswouldnotbeprogrammed;ratherthiswouldbeaspacewherethecommunity
cangatherforoutdoormusic,artsandcraftsexhibits,andgames.
Anopportunityexistsforapedestrian-onlywalkwayorplazastreet,whichwould
serveasapromenadeforpedestriansalongthepotentialextensionsofBryantandW
Streets.
Opportunityareasshouldbefocusedatthefollowinglocations(seeFigureF-12):
Sherman/Florida/BryantAvenuesarea
SegmentfromFloridaAvenuetoBarryStreet
SegmentfromBarryStreettoEuclidStreet
FiguresF-13andF-14representtheDUKEplansvisionforGeorgiaAvenuefromFlorida
AvenuetoRhodeIslandAvenue.TheDUKEPlanseekstoguidefuturedevelopment
strategicallybycapitalizinguponthehistoriccontextofGeorgiaAvenuetorestorethis
areaintoacontemporaryuptownneighborhoodwith18-hourdestinations.TheDUKE
PlanhelpedtocreateavisionforpartofLowerGeorgiaAvenue,andisconsistentwith
DDOTsvisionforLowerGeorgiaAvenue.
A.
B.
C.
FigureF-11:CulturalHeritagePlaqueFigureF-10:DistinctiveLighting
Elements
CorridorRevitalizationVision&Guidelines
FigureF-12:OpportunityAreaoftheLowerGeorgiaAvenueCorridor
A
B
C
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Gateways
Agatewayisademarcationprovidingavisualcuetotravelersthattheyareenteringan
area,district,orneighborhood.Gatewaysarecontextsensitiveandvarywidely.They
canbeindicatedbysimplesignsorspeciallandscapetreatmentsaswellaselaborateand
formalmarkers,suchasanobelisk,archway,orsculpture.Theycanalsobeestablished
experientiallythroughthesequentialplacementofseveralrelatedelements.Theintersection
ofGeorgiaandFloridaAvenuesprovidesanopportunityforagateway.
DistinctiveandComplementaryGatewayDesignElements:
Formal/dramaticdemarcation(suchasasculpture,arch,obelisk,orotherpublicart
form) that establishes the cultural/historical theme of the corridor and signies the
entranceofanewplace
DistinctivepavingfortheentireintersectionofGeorgiaandFloridaAvenues,including
theintersectionsinterior(box)
Cultural/specialmarking(suchasmusicnotes)onpedestriancrossingsatintersection
Streetfurniturethemeatintersection
Changinganddistinctivesignagethroughoutthecorridor
Transitstopsincorporatingculturalthemesthroughoutthecorridor
Plantingshungonlightpolestomarkentry
FigureF-14:StreetscapeRenderingfromtheDUKEPlan
FigureF-13:StreetscapeRenderingfromtheDUKEPlan
FigureF-15:AnExampleofGatewayDesign
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FigureF-16:VariousBicycleRackDesigns
Efcient Operation of All Modes
Multimodaloperationsshouldsupportthecorridorasavibrantculturalandhistorical
destinationaswellasawalkableplace.Transitandemergencyvehiclesmustbeabletooperate efciently.
DistinctiveandComplementaryDesignElements:
Modify lane congurations and geometry to accommodate all modes of
transportation
Coordinatepotentialgeometrychangeswithtransitsignalprioritization,dependingon analysis and modication
Ensure efcient operations and design for transit (including express bus) and
emergencyvehicles
Consolidatedrivewaysandeliminatecurbcutswherepossible
Side streets: add bike-detected loops to give bikes sufcient time at crossings
Maximizeon-streetparallelparkingandidentifyopportunitiesfordiagonalparking
cutouts,wherepossible
Identifyopportunitiesforpedestrianrefugeisland(s),whereappropriate
IntersectionAlternativesandOperationsAnalysis:
RoundaboutatFloridaandShermanAvenues
NoleftturnfromGeorgiaAvenuetoFloridaAvenue
DedicatedleftlaneonGeorgiaAvenuetoBryantPlacePedestrian signal timings review for sufciency and adjustment at key pedestrian
crossings
PedestrianSignalTimingprovidingpedestriantwosecondheadstartatkey
pedestriancrossings
CorridorRevitalizationVision&Guidelines
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CorridorAlternativesandModelingScenarios:
RemoveparkingbetweenFloridaAvenueandBryantAvenue
ProvideTransit-onlylane
ProvideTransitandturning-onlylanes
ReviewHowardTownCentermodelandassumptions
Analyzeorigin-destinationhigh-quality,high-capacitycorridormaysupport
development goals of the place versus regional trafc passing through the corridor
FigureF-17:ExamplesofTransit-OnlyLanesinPractice
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ExistingConditionsG. Land Use
i. Existing Land Use and Developmentii. Proposed Land Use and Development
H. Existing Conditions - Transportation
i. Description of the Corridor
ii. Overview of Study Intersections
iii. Trafc Conditions
iv. Parking Conditions
v. Transit Facilities
vi. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
vii. Safety
I. Existing Conditions - Public Realm
i. Sidewalks
ii. Lighting
iii. Street Furnishings
iv. History and Culture
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Existing Land Use and Development
TravelingnorthalongGeorgianeartheintersectionofFloridaAvenue,landuseisprimarilyinstitutionalaroundHoward
University,HowardUniversityHospital,andBannekerHigh
School.AclusterofretailbusinessesarelocatedatBarryPlace,
includingafast-foodrestaurantdrive-through,andBryantStreet,
includinganumberofsmallretailshops,acoffeeshop,anda
universitybookstore.
FromthevicinityofEuclidStreettravelingnorth,thewest
sideofGeorgiaAvenuecomprisessmallretailestablishments,
includingtake-outrestaurants,ahealthfoodstore,avideorental,
barbershops,automotiverepair,andconveniencestores.TheeastsideofGeorgiaAvenuecontainsuniversitybuildingsuntil
approximatelyHobartStreetwheresmallretailbusinessesare
located.
Proposed Land Use and Development
Overlay Zoning
The Ofce of Planning proposed that the zoning commission addanewcommercialoverlayzonefortheGeorgiaAvenue/Petworth
MetroStationarea.ThiszoningoverlayforGeorgiaAvenueis
partofastrategytoattractinvestment,createjobs,andenhance
thecorridorsimage.
FigureG-1:ExistingLandUseintheLowerGeorgiaAvenuecorridor
G. LandUse
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Thefollowingobjectivesoftheoverlaydistrictwereoutlinedinamemorandumfromthe
Ofce of Planning to the Zoning Commission (November 2006):
ImplementthegoalsoftheGreatStreetsFrameworkEncourageadditionalresidentialuses
Encourageimprovedcommercialuses
Providecommondesignstandards
Proposed Development
SeveralnewdevelopmentsareslatedforconstructionalongGeorgiaAvenue,whichwould
transformthecorridorintoaseriesofneighborhoodcoreswithvibrantanddiverseretail
centersandhigherqualitymultifamilyresidentialdevelopments.Examplesofthese
developmentsincludetheGeorgiaAvenue/PetworthMetrorailstationarea,theColumbia/Harvardintersections,andHowardTownCenter.
Mixed-usedevelopmentisbeingconstructedneartheGeorgiaAvenue/PetworthMetrorail
stationareawith148condominiumsand17,000squarefeetofretail.Amixofhigh-density
residentialdevelopmentandlocalretailservicesisproposedneartheColumbia/Harvard
intersections. Howard University will develop a signicant portion of its land into a
residential, ofce, and retail center to be called Howard Town Center, which will include
morethan300apartments,72,000squarefeetofretailincludingahigh-endgrocerystore,
and500publicparkingspaces.
Developmentsproposedorunder-constructionareshowninFiguresG-5andG-6.
Figure G-2: Planned Overlay Zoning District for Lower Georgia Avenue
LandUse
FigureG-3:GeorgiaAvenue/PetworthMetrorail
stationDevelopmentFigureG-4:HowardTownCenter
Development
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FigureG-5:NorthernPortionof
StudyArea
4136GeorgiaAvenueTheResidencesatGeorgia
Avenue-4100GeorgiaAvenue
NW
4000BlockWest-Georgia
AvenueNW
3910-3912GeorgiaAvenueNW
3800BlockWest-Georgia
AvenueNW(SafewaySite)
3800BlockEast-Georgia
AvenueNW
PetworthMetro-3700Block
GeorgiaAvenueNW
3600BlockGeorgiaAvenueNW3600BlockGeorgiaAvenueNW
3500BlockEast-Georgia
AvenueNW
3400BlockEast-Georgia
AvenueNW
LamontLoftsPhaseII-3300
BlockGeorgiaAvenueNW
LamontLoftsPhaseI-701
LamontStreetNW
1.2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
FigureG-6:SouthernPortionof
StudyArea
HowardTownCenterPhaseI-2100BlockGeorgiaAvenueNW
AtlanticPlumbingProperties
TheFloridia-9thStreet&
AvenueNW
TheRhapsody-2120Vermont
AvenueNW
AtlanticPlumbingProperties
HowardTownCenterPhaseI-
2100BlockGeorgiaAvenueNW
HousingFinanceAgencySite
AtlanticPlumbingProperties
WMATA-Shaw-Howard
UniversityParcelsWMATA-Shaw-Howard
UniversityParcels
1900Block8thStreetNW
WMATA-Shaw-Howard
UniversityParcels
DunbarTheatreApartments
NCRCParcel
ClevelandElementarySchool
HowardUniversity-Temporary
Ofces
BroadcastCenterOne
HowardTheatre-629TStreet
NWWonderBreadBuilding
NCRCParcel
UnitedHouseofPrayer-
AdjacentLand
NCRCParcel
NCRCParcel
WathaT.DanielShaw
NeighborhoodLibrary
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
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35.
36.
37.
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Description of the Corridor
Overview of Major Streets in the Study Area
GeorgiaAvenue
GeorgiaAvenue(US29),runsnorth-southandcontinuesintoMarylandwhereitbecomesMD 97. Georgia Avenue is classied as a primary arterial and is part of the National
HighwaySystem.ItconnectsWashingtonDCtoI-495andisoneofthe19primary
emergencyevacuation/eventroutes(Eroutes)intheDistrict,aswellasasnowemergencyroute. The 2002 average annual weekday trafc (AAWT) on Georgia Avenue was 21,400
vehicles.
Thepostedspeedlimitis30milesperhour(mph)withinthestudyarea.GeorgiaAvenue
hastwotravellanesineachdirectionwithparallelparkingalongthecurb.Themajorlanduseiscommercialwithsomeresidential.
FloridaAvenue
Atthesouthernboundaryofthestudyarea,FloridaAvenueisaprincipalarterial.The
westernterminusofFloridaAvenueisatPStreetand23rdStreet.Theeasternterminusis
atHStreet,NEandMarylandAvenueNE.Inthestudyarea,FloridaAvenuecarriesthree
westboundlanesandtwoeastboundlanesbetweenShermanAvenueandGeorgiaAvenue.
The2002AAWTwas27,500vehicles.
NewHampshireAvenue
NewHampshireAvenueisaminorarterialthatbeginsattheKennedyCenterandextends
northeastintoMarylandwhereitbecomesMD650.Inthestudyarea,NewHampshire
Avenuecarriestwolanesineachdirectionwithparallelon-streetparking.Thepostedspeed
limitis30mphwithinthestudyarea.
ShermanAvenue
ShermanAvenuerunsnorth-southfromitsnorthernterminusatNewHampshireAvenueto
itssouthernendatFloridaAvenue.Itisafour-laneroadwaywithon-streetparallelparking.
Duetoutilitywork,southboundShermanAvenueiscurrentlyreducedtoonelanebetween
H.ExistingConditions-Transportation
FigureH-1:GeorgiaAvenueNearNewHampshireAvenue
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KenyonStreetandIrvingStreetandbetweenGirardStreetandFairmontStreet.Parking
alongthestreetwithintheaboveportionsisrestrictedbetween7:00a.m.and6:00p.m.for
differentdays.Thepostedspeedlimitis25mph.The2002AAWTonShermanAvenuewas
16,000vehicles.
ColumbiaRoad
ColumbiaRoadisone-waywestboundwithtwotravellanesfromParkRoadtoConnecticut
Avenue.On-streetparkingisallowedonbothsidesofthestreet.The2002AAWTwas
4,500vehicles.Curbparkingonthesouthsideofthestreetisrestrictedtoresidentswith
a Zone 1 permit. Parking for others is limited to two hours between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30
p.m.,MondaythroughFriday.Onthenorthsideofthestreet,parkingisrestrictedbetween
thehoursof7:00a.m.and4:00p.m.,MondaythroughFriday.Themajorlandusealong
ColumbiaRoadisresidential.
HarvardStreet
HarvardStreetisone-wayeastboundfrom16thStreetto5thStreet.The2002AAWTwas
5,000 vehicles. Parking on both sides of the street is permitted for residences with a Zone
1permit.Forallothers,parkingisrestrictedtotwohoursbetween7:00a.m.and8:30p.m.,
MondaythroughFridayonthenorthsideofthestreet,andbetween9:30a.m.and4:00p.m.,
MondaythroughFridayonthesouthsideofthestreet.
IrvingStreet
IrvingStreetisone-wayeastboundfromAdamsMillRoadtoParkRoad.EastofParkRoad,
this street carries two-way trafc. The 2002 AAWT was 7,000 vehicles. Between ShermanAvenueNWandGeorgiaAvenueNWparkingispermittedonthenorthsideofthestreet.
However, the majority of this section is restricted to Zone 1 permit holders. Parking for all
othersislimitedtotwohoursbetween7:00a.m.and8:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.A
shortsegment(30feet)onthenorthsideofthestreetattheeastendisrestrictedtothree-
hourparkingbetween7:00a.m.and6:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.Onthesouthsideof
thestreet,parkingisrestrictedbetween7:00a.m.and6:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.
KenyonStreet
KenyonStreetisone-waywestboundfromParkRoadto14thStreet.The2002AAWTwas
FigureH-2:GeorgiaAvenueFacingNorth
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5,100 vehicles. On the south side of the street, parking is restricted to Zone 1 permit holders.
Parkingforallothersislimitedtotwohoursbetween7:00a.m.and8:30p.m.Monday
throughFriday.Onthenorthside,parkingisrestrictedbetween7:00a.m.and9:30a.m.and
4:00p.m.to6:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.
CollectorRoads
Theremainingstreetswithinthestudyareaarecollectorroadsandareasfollows:Otis
Place,NewtonPlace,MortonStreet,LamontStreet,HobartPlace,GreshamPlace,Girard
Street,FairmontStreet,EuclidStreet,BarryPlace,VStreet,8thStreet,and9thStreet.
Overview of the Study Intersections
Trafc (vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle) data were collected at the following 13
intersections:
GeorgiaAvenueatNewHampshireAvenue
GeorgiaAvenueatParkRoad
GeorgiaAvenueatIrvingStreet
GeorgiaAvenueatHarvardStreet
GeorgiaAvenueatBarryPlace
GeorgiaAvenueatBryantStreet
GeorgiaAvenueatWStreet
GeorgiaAvenueatFloridaAvenue
NewHampshireAvenueatSpringRoad
NewHampshireAvenueatMonroeStreet/ParkRoad/ShermanAvenue
ShermanAvenueatKenyonStreet
ShermanAvenueatColumbiaRoad
FloridaAvenueatVermontAvenue
Georgia Avenue at New Hampshire Avenueisasix-legintersection.Theadditionaltwo
legsoftheintersectionareformedbyRockCreekChurchRoad.TheRockCreekChurch
ExistingConditions-Transportation
FigureH-3:FloridaAvenueFacingWest
FigureH-4:NewHampshireAvenueFacingNortheast
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Roadlegsareone-way,leavingtheintersectioninopposingdirections.Theintersectionis
signal-controlledwithtwo-phasemovements:GeorgiaAvenuefollowedbyNewHampshire
Avenue.Pedestriancrossingsaremarkedonallapproaches.BothNewHampshireAvenue
and Georgia Avenue are four-lane roadways. A painted median separates trafc on NewHampshireAvenue.TheGeorgiaAvenue-PetworthMetrorailstationandadjacentbusstops
generatepedestrianvolumeatthisintersection.
Georgia Avenue at Park Roadisanoffsetintersection.Theintersectioniscontrolledby a trafc signal with two-phase movements. Pedestrian crosswalks are marked on all
approacheswithpedestriansignalindications.
Georgia Avenue at Irving Streetisathree-phasesignal-controlledintersectionwith
aleadingleft-turnphasesouthbound.IrvingStreetisone-wayeastbound.Pedestrian
indicationsandmarkedcrosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.Theeastboundapproach
of Irving Street contains rumble strips to slow trafc.
Georgia Avenue at Harvard Streetisaskewedintersectionwiththeeastapproachof
HarvardStreetintersectingGeorgiaAvenueata30-degreeangle.HarvardStreetisone-way
eastbound with two lanes. The intersection is controlled by a two-phase trafc signal with
pedestrianindicationsandmarkedcrosswalks.
Georgia Avenue at Barry Place is a T intersection controlled by a three-phase trafc
signal.Anorthboundleft-turnarrowfollowstheGeorgiaAvenuethroughmovement.
BarryPlacehasaone-laneapproacheastbound.Pedestriansignalindicationsandmarked
crosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.Theintersectionisoneofthehighestpedestrian
volumeintersectionsinthestudyarea.
Georgia Avenue at Bryant Street isaTintersectioncontrolledbyatwo-phasesignal.
BryantStreetisone-wayeastbound.Pedestriansignalindicationsandmarkedcrosswalks
areprovidedforallcrossings.
Georgia Avenue at W Street isaTintersectioncontrolledbyatwo-phasesignal.W
Streetisone-waywestbound.Pedestriansignalindicationsandmarkedcrosswalksare
providedforallcrossings.
FigureH-5:ShermanAvenueFacingNorth
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Georgia Avenue at Florida Avenueiscontrolledbyathree-phasesignalwithaprotected
southboundleft-turnphase.Pedestriansignalindicationsandmarkedcrosswalksare
providedforallcrossings.Thisintersectionhasthehighestpedestrianandbicyclevolumesinthestudyarea.Twobusstopsarelocatedonthesouthwestandnortheastcornersofthe
intersection.TwoadditionalbusstopsareoneachsideofFloridaAvenue.
New Hampshire Avenue at Spring Road / Princeton Placecurrentlyisastop-controlled
intersection,althoughithasbeensignal-controlledinthepast.NewHampshireAvenue
operatesfreely,andtheSpringRoadapproachiscontrolledbyastopsign.Novehicles
approachtheintersectionviaPrincetonPlacebecauseitisone-wayeastboundleavingthe
intersection.
New Hampshire Avenue at Sherman Avenue / Monroe Street / Park Road is a ve-
leg intersection controlled by a two-phase signal. The fth leg, Park Road, carries one-way trafc westbound out of the intersection. Pedestrian signal indications and marked
crosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.
Sherman Avenue at Kenyon Street isafour-legintersectionwithKenyonStreetlimitedto one-way westbound trafc. A two-phase signal controls intersection movements. No
pedestriansignalindicationisprovided,butmarkedcrosswalksarelocatedatallcrossings.
Sherman Avenue at Columbia Roadisasignal-controlledintersectionwithtwo-phase
movement.ColumbiaRoadisone-waywestbound.Pedestrianphasesareprovidedforall
crossings.
Florida Avenue at Vermont AvenueisaTintersectioncontrolledbyatwo-phasesignal.LeftturnsareprohibitedfromnorthboundFloridaAvenueontoVermontAvenue.No
pedestriansignalindicationisprovidedforthisintersection.Crosswalksaremarkedacross
VermontAvenueandFloridaAvenueonthenorthsideoftheintersection.
ExistingConditions-Transportation
FigureH-6:ShermanAvenueatMonroeStreetandParkRoad
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Trafc Conditions
Data Collection and Analysis
Turning-movementcountswerecollectedformid-daypeak,PMpeak,andSaturday(SAT)
periods at 13 intersections. Seven-day automatic vehicle speed and classication counts
wererecordedatfourlocations.Aparkinginventoryandparking-demandsurveywere
conducted,alongwithalimitedorigin-destinationstudy.Crashdatawasobtainedfrom
DDOT.
Turning Movement Volumes
ManualturningmovementcountswereconductedonTuesday,Wednesday,orThursdayfrom
11:00a.m.to2:00p.m.forthemiddaycountsand3:30p.m.to6:30p.m.forthePMpeakcounts.Saturdaycountswereconductedonnon-holidaySaturdaysfrom10:00a.m.to2:00
p.m.Thecountsincludedvehicle,pedestrian,andbicyclemovements.Turning-movement
data were also obtained from a previous New Hampshire Avenue trafc study, which did
notincludepedestrianorbicyclevolumes.Themid-day,PM,andSaturdaypeakhour
volumesareshowninFiguresH-8throughH-10.
Theturning-movementvolumedataindicatethatthePMpeakvolumesarehigherthanmid-
daypeakvolumesforallofthestudyintersections.TheintersectionofGeorgiaAvenueat
BarryPlace,locatednearHowardUniversity,hasthehighestSaturdayvehiclevolume.
AreasadjacenttoHowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospital,aswellasthe
intersectionofGeorgiaAvenueatFloridaAvenue,havethehighestpedestrianactivityinthestudyarea.
ThehighestbicyclevolumeisattheintersectionofGeorgiaAvenueandFloridaAvenue
duringthePMpeakandSATpeakperiods.
FigureH-7:ShermanAvenueNearFloridaAvenue
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ExistingConditions-Transportation
FigureH-8:Mid-dayPeak-HourIntersectionVolumes
FigureH-10:SaturdayPeak-HourIntersectionVolumes
FigureH-9:PMPeak-HourIntersectionVolumes
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Parking
Parking Inventory
On-streetparkingwasinventoriedforallarterialandcollectorroadsinthestudyarea.The
numberofparkingspaces,andanyparkingrestrictionswerenotedforeachroadway.The
parkinginventorywasusedtoevaluatethetotalparkingcapacityontheroads.Throughout
thestudyarea,on-streetparkingisrestrictedinsomewayforallofthestudiedroadways.
Themostcommontypesofparkingrestrictionsinvolvetime-regulatedparkinginresidential
zonesandmeteredparking.On-streetparkingisalsoprohibitedduringdesignatedstreet-
cleaningperiods.Inaddition,on-streetparkinginsomelocationsisprohibitedentirely.
Metered parking is regulated by meters that limit parking to one, two, three, or ve hours.Residential zone parking is designated as Zone 1, Zone 4, or overlapped (Zones 1 and
4).Forthisstudy,allmeteredparkingspaceswerecounted.Parkingspacesrestrictedby
distanceorzone(e.g.,time-regulatedparking),werecalculatedbyconvertingthedistance
betweenparkingrestrictionsignstothenumberofvehiclesthatcouldparkwithinthis
distanceusinganassumptionof25feetpervehicle.
Parking Demand
Parkingdemandreferstotheamountofparkingusedataparticulartime,place,andprice.
It is a critical factor in evaluating parking efciency. The parking demand data collectedforthisstudyfocusedonon-streetparkingalongShermanAvenueandGeorgiaAvenue.
Todeterminetheweekdaydailyparkingdemand,theoccupancyoftheavailableparking
spacesalongShermanAvenueandGeorgiaAvenueinsidethestudyareawerecountedand
documentedeachhourbetween6:30a.m.and6:30p.m.onWednesday,December15,2006.
Parking demand also reects parking adequacy, which indicates whether sufcient parking
existsataparticulartimeandlocation.Theratioderivedfromdemandversuscapacity
showstherelationshipbetweenparkingneedandsupply.Parkingcapacityisderivedfrom
theavailableparkingspacescountedintheinventory.Aratiogreaterthanoneindicatesthat
parkingdemandinaparticularlocationandataparticulartimeexceedsparkingcapacity.
FigureH-11:ParkingonGeorgiaAvenue
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Transit Facilities
Anumberofpublictransportationmodesservethestudyarea:
Metrobusroutes70/71,66,68,and79travelnorth-south.
MetrobusroutesH1,H2,H3,H4,H8,andX3traveleast-west.
Metrorailhasastopateachendofthestudyarea.
-Inthenorth,theGeorgiaAvenuePetworthStationisneartheintersectionof
GeorgiaAvenueandNewHampshireAvenue.
-Inthesouth,theAfrican-AmericanCivilWarMemorial/CardozoStationisatU
Streetand11thStreet.
Bus
The70/71routes(theGeorgiaAvenueand7thStreetLine)servesGeorgiaAvenueinboth
directions.TheSilverSpringStationisatthenorthernendofthislineadjacenttotheDC
/Marylandborder.ThesouthernendofthelineisatBuzzardPoint,whichisnorthofthe
AnacostiaRiver.The70/71routestopsatthreelocationsinsidethestudyarea:Georgia
AvenueatNewHampshireAvenue,GeorgiaAvenueatIrvingStreet,andGeorgiaAvenueat
FloridaAvenue.
The66,68routes(thePetworth11thStreetLine)beginsinthenorthattheGeorgiaAvenue
PetworthStationattheintersectionofGeorgiaAvenueatQuincyStreet.Itssouthern
terminusisatFederalTriangleStation,whichisnear10th/12thStreetatConstitution
Avenue.Inthestudyarea,onlyroute68servesShermanAvenue.
Theroute66isnotinthestudyarea.Thisrouterunsalong11thStreet,whichisparallelto
ShermanAvenue.Routes66and68divergeattheintersectionofNewHampshireAvenueat
MonroeStreetandconvergeattheintersectionof11thStreetatVermontAvenue.
Theroute68beginsattheGeorgiaAvenuePetworthStationandmakesonestopatSherman
AvenueatIrvingStreet.ItsnextstopisatVermontAvenueatUStreet,whichisjustoutside
andsouthwestofthestudyarea.
FigureH-12:WMATABusandRailRoutesintheStudyArea
ExistingConditions-Transportation
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ThenewMetroExtraBRTservice(79line)operatesalongGeorgiaAvenuewithaheadway
of10minutesduringPMpeakhours.The70/71linetakesapproximatelyonehourtotravel
through54busstopsalongthecorridorfromArchivestoSilverSpring.Thetraveltimeof
the79lineisdecreasedtoapproximately45minutesthrough15busstops.
Metrorail Facilities
TheMetrorailGreenLinerunningbetweentheGreenbeltandBranchAvenueStations
hasthreestopsnearthestudyarea.TheUStreet/African-AmericanCivilWarMemorial/
CardozoStationisatthesouthernendofthestudyarea.TheColumbiaHeightsStation
isat14thStreetandIrvingStreetonthewestsideofthestudyarea.TheGeorgiaAvenue
PetworthStationisatGeorgiaAvenueandNewHampshireAvenueatthenorthendofthe
studyarea.
Bicycle Facilities
Bicyclistsinthestudyareamustcurrentlysharelaneswithmotorvehiclesorrideonthe
sidewalk,exceptintheeasternedgeofthestudyareaon4thStreetandWarderStreetwhere
bikelaneshavebeeninstalled.Itcanbedangerousforbicycliststosharelaneswithmotor
vehicles,especiallywhenbicyclistsaretravelingbetweenmovingandparkedvehicles.
Mixingbicyclesandpedestriansonalimitedsidewalkareacanalsobedangerous.The
bicycleroutemapshowingcurrentbicyclefacilitiesinthestudyareaisfoundintheDistrict
ofColumbiaBicycleMasterPlan.AnenlargedmapisshowninFigureH-13.
SignedbicycleroutesareonNewHampshireAvenue,LamontStreet,KenyonStreet,
ColumbiaRoad,andHarvardStreet.Asignedbicyclerouteistypicallydesignatedalong
morelightlytraveledresidentialorsecondaryroadsthatmayfollowthesamegeneral
corridorasmoreheavilytraveledarterialhighways.Theroutesareindicatedbysignsthat
may or may not have a specic route number.
FigureH-17showsthatthepercentageofpeoplewhoprefertocommutebybicycleishigher
inthecentralpartofthestudyareathaninotherpartsofthestudyarea.
Themid-day,PM,andSaturdaypeakhourbicyclevolumesbyintersectionareshownin
FigureH-13:BicycleRoutesintheVicinityoftheStudyArea
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ExistingConditions-Transportation
FigureH-14:Mid-dayPeak-HourBicycleVolumes
FigureH-16:SaturdayPeak-HourBicycleVolumes
FigureH-15:PMPeak-HourBicycleVolumes
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FiguresH-14throughH-16.
Pedestrian Facilities
Mosteast-weststreetsinthestudyareaareresidential.ShermanAvenueisprimarily
residentialwithsporadiccommercialsites.GeorgiaAvenuehasahighnumberof
pedestriansbecauseitcontainsprimarilycommercialandacademicusesmixedwithsome
residentialareas.Thewidthofasidewalkisaprimeindicatorofitspedestriancapacityand
pedestrianfriendliness.
Themid-day,PM,andSaturdaypeakhourpedestrianvolumesbyintersectionareshownin
FiguresH-18throughH-20.
Accident Summary
Toassessthesafetyconditionsinthestudyarea,accidentsummaryreportsfor20032005
wereobtainedforintersectionsalongShermanAvenueandGeorgiaAvenue.Theaccident
summaryreportslistedaccidentsbycollisiontype(s),andthetimeoftheoccurrence.The
dataindicatedthat2004hadmoreaccidentsthaneither2003or2005forbothofthetwo
corridors.Thetotalnumberofinjuriesonbothcorridorsshowedanincreaseeachyearfrom
2003to2005.
FigureH-17:PercentageofWorkerswhoCommutebyBicycletoJobsintheStudy
Area
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FigureH-18:Mid-dayPeak-HourPedestrianVolumes
FigureH-20:SaturdayPeak-HourPedestrianVolumes
FigureH-19:PMPeak-HourPedestrianVolumes
ExistingConditions-Transportation
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FigureH-21:CrashDatafromDDOT
AccidentSummaryReport*
FigureH-22:PedestrianAccidentData
(2002-2004)fromDDOT
*Crashdatamissingforthefollowingintersections:GeorgiaAvenueandFloridaAvenue;ShermanAvenue
andGreshamPlace;ShermanAvenueandHobartPlace;ShermanAvenueandMortonStreet.
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Streetscape and Urban Design
Sidewalks
Sidewalkconditionsvarygreatlyfromgoodtoverypoor.SidewalkwidthsonGeorgia
Avenuerangefromfourtosixfeet,dependingonlocation.FromFloridaAvenuetoW
Street, the sidewalk is typically sufcient for pedestrian activity. However, a hedge exists
adjacent to the sidewalk creating a conned feel for pedestrians. From W Street to Barry
Place, there are tight sidewalks widths in front of Wonder Plaza, thus resulting in inefcient
pedestrian ows. North of Barry Place, although the sidewalks are wide in this area, there is
ahighchain-linkfenceonthewestsideofGeorgiaAvenueandawalloneastsideofGeorgia
Avenuelimitingthepedestrianexperience.FromEuclidStreettoColumbiaRoad,sidewalk
widths