by Ereftu Patel

On April 12, 2024, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) issued a formal response to ANC 4C's Resolution concerning traffic safety improvements in Grant Circle. While DDOT addressed the requests in the resolution, they also shared the challenges they foresee to meeting those requests, such as the feasibility of delivering on the suggestions and other proposed strategies for implementation.

The first issue DDOT addressed in their response is the opportunity to minimize the losses to parking spots impacting residents and churches on the Circle, potentially creating alternative parking locations adjacent to the Circle. The agency said they are considering the creation of "drop-off" zones during special events to accommodate elderly and disabled church parishioners: “DDOT is exploring options to increase the amount of parking spaces maintained within and adjacent to the Circle.”

Additionally, DDOT said it will consider adding Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at all Grant Circle crosswalks in the near term to improve pedestrian visibility to motorists.

Example of a RRFB from US DOT (examples can be seen at Quincy & New Hampshire Avenue NW)

While potentially feasible, DDOT acknowledges the complex design and implementation challenges that make RRFBs a difficult-to-implement short-term solution. “We need to review the possibility of aligning the crosswalks with the proposed pedestrian refuge islands as well as poles for RRFBs which can be challenging. Additionally, the RRFB in the interior of the circle needs to be a joint effort with the National Parks Service. Other factors to consider are solar power feasibility, AC power option, and review of sign clutter due to additional signage from RRFBs.”

Community pressure to address safety changes in Grant Circle during this initial phase was recognized by DDOT as well. In Phase II, DDOT will decide whether to proceed with the proposed changes to traffic patterns on 5th Street and Illinois Avenue NW (along with any needed traffic signal additions to ensure safety) south of Grant Circle.

“Overall, there are limited options of safety changes that can be implemented in the short term due to the construction requirements for installation of certain mitigations like RRFBs described in the previous question… The results will be shared with the community once the study is completed.”

DDOT also said they plan to collaborate with relevant DC agencies to address concerns regarding trash and debris in protected bike lanes.

Lastly, DDOT provided updates on additional requests they claim are “beyond the scope of the Grant Circle project,” such as installing RRFBs at other intersections near the Circle and implementing traffic calming measures on adjacent streets. While recognizing these issues, DDOT claims they are outside the scope of the project, and said these issues need to prioritized at a different time.