2. New Way on K
K Street finally may be redesigned and reconstructed after six years of discussion and debate. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has moved quickly to include a K Street redesign as part of a larger regional application for competitive transportation stimulus funds known as TIGER grants. Faced with a looming September 15 application deadline, the agency took steps to develop design alternatives this summer and now has two from which to choose.
Both plans, which use the traffic analysis from an earlier design, include a center transit way and loading zones. Metered curbside parking for private vehicles are not included. The two most significant differences between the designs are bicycle accommodations and a third passing lane within the transit way on very wide sections of the street.
An updated K Street design has been a priority for the Downtown and Golden Triangle BIDs since 2003. Stakeholders from the organizations actively are reviewing and offering comments on the new designs. Meanwhile, DDOT plans to take the preferred alternative to 30% design by February 2010, when the US Department of Transportation will announce the TIGER grant program winners.
If denied, a 30% design still could prove beneficial–other federal funds, including those from the transportation reauthorization bill, could be forthcoming. In addition to the design, the TIGER application also will include a regional bike-sharing program and corridor improvements that bring bus rapid transit service to K Street from I-66 in northern Virginia.
Both DDOT plans are available athttp://ddot.dc.gov/ddot/cwp/view,a,1250,q,643345,ddotNav_GID,1774,ddotNav,|34644|.asp. To review previous plans, visit www.downtowndc.org/programs/transportation/k-street.
More here: http://www.downtowndc.org/news/downtown_update_newsletter/item/262#green1
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