There were a couple of meetings from earlier this week that have at least a small bike component (or could). First, DDOT is rehabilitating the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge over Rock Creek and Rock Creek Parkway. They won't be adding bike lanes, but they will be improving the sidewalks with ADA-compliant ramps. But at the very least cyclists won't be detoured for the 14 month project.
Pedestrian and bike traffic will continue to use the bridge during construction
And more interestingly, DDOT is going to rehabilitate Eastern Avenue NE between New Hampshire Avenue NE and Whittier Street NW.
The project's goal is to improve the existing pavement and landscape of this study area and to determine the best solution to address deteriorated sidewalks, retaining walls, curbs, gutters, manholes, catch basins and ADA ramps; to improve traffic and pedestrian/bike safety; and to introduce public realm improvements along this corridor.
This is a short stretch of Eastern, but one where there is opportunity for a bicycle facility. The lanes are wide and along most of the north side there is no parking allowed. Along one part there is even a buffered shoulder to keep drivers from crashing into the retaining wall that separates DC's Eastern Avenue from Takoma's adjacent, but several feet lower, Eastern Avenue. So a facility could be added in. It would be parallel to the nearby Metropolitan Branch trail, but the only existing or planned bike facility connection would be to DC's Kansas Avenue which has bike lanes.
Eastern Ave would be a great place for bike lanes because it is very hilly and no one uses the parking spaces on the Maryland side.
Posted by: Zack Rules | December 09, 2016 at 09:15 AM