On Monday, June 17th, the representatives from the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) presented their proposed changes to Grant Circle based on community feedback and their data analysis of collisions, traffic density and safety initiatives.

The acting Director of DDOT, Sharon Kershbaum, started the meeting and introduced Neelima Ghanta who presented three options for the changes. The first option is preferred by DDOT (and Petworth News), with the other options offering minor changes that provide less parking or other minor changes. From a review of the changes and what was shared at the meeting, “Alternative 1” makes the most sense. See the full presentation PDF.

ANC 4C is asking for your feedback on these proposals. You can submit your thoughts on this form.

DDOT studied collisions (vehicle and bicycle) to determine where the highest “conflict” areas were around the Circle. Most were at the entrance and exit for New Hampshire Ave on the north and south, Varnum Street and 5th Street.

DDOT also observed other safety issues, such as people illegally parking, fast exits and entrances and traffic backing upon 5th Street southbound.

Just some of the safety concerns residents are well-familiar with.

The Changes

At a high level, the Circle will go down to one lane on the north side, with the entrance lane from Illinois Ave on the north forming a second lane that is turn only on the south, exiting onto New Hampshire Avenue.

Illinois Ave on the north will have a turn lane that goes directly to New Hampshire in the south, and by eliminating 5th Street exit on the south, DDOT avoids conflict with two lanes trying to merge around each other.

5th Street on the south side will be closed from the Circle, while Illinois Ave on the south will return to 2-way traffic in and out of the Circle. This change is designed to stop rear-end and side-swipe collisions with vehicles trying to enter from NW Ave on the south and vehicles trying to exit via 5th Street, as well as creating better safety for bicycles and pedestrians. (Plus, DDOT will remove the traffic light at 5th and Upshur Streets NW.)

The other option presented by DDOT, that no one seems to like, most especially DDOT, is making 5th Street on the south one way into the Circle.

Closing of 5th Street on the south side forces traffic looking to continue south to exit on Illinois, providing more space for merging traffic and reducing conflict.

The two existing bus stops will be removed, as according to WMATA these two stops have extremely low usage, compared to the stop immediately north of the Circle, and the stop immediately south. This allows more parking spots inside the Circle.

There will be a protected bike lane around the Circle.

All pedestrian crossings will get flashing lights (with a button push), and the larger pedestrian crossings will get a concrete “refuge” in the middle to allow a pedestrian a safe spot to stop, if a car doesn’t stop.

At the meeting, there were a few people who didn’t want parking removed at all or didn’t want bike lanes in the Circle (two of those at the meeting said they weren’t residents of the neighborhood, so for them it must be a personal issue to follow DDOT around at community meetings).

Others commented about the loss of the bus stops inside the Circle, citing concerns that elderly or parents dropping off children at the school and daycare would have to walk further. DDOT’s answer that “hey, we live in a city and sometimes have to walk” didn’t go over well, but the reality is both of the other existing bus stops are just outside of the Circle on the north and south, and, according to DDOT, WMATA says the two stops inside the Circle are not used very much.

Regarding the BikeShare station on Upshur Street at Illinois Ave on the southside, DDOT said they are not planning on moving the station as of right now, but can explore relocating it if 5th Street is in fact closed off from the Circle.

As for trash collection and keeping 5th Street open only for bicycle traffic, DDOT said they are waiting to hear from the various teams.

Next Steps… DDOT is keeping a window open for community feedback until July 12, 2024. Feedback can be emailed to the Ward Engagement Lead, Kornelius Anderson or the Project Manager Zhibo Zhang.

Alternatively, you can submit comments to ANC 4C via this online form.

Some open questions that we’re waiting for DDOT to comment on:

6/19 Edit: Article updated at 10am after comments from DDOT.