DDOT is hosting an informational meeting about the design and reconstruction of Oregon Avenue in a couple of weeks, but it is likely that the project still doesn't include bike facilities, as was originally proposed, despite NPS's stated desire for one. The project will rebuild Oregon Avenue from Military Road to Western Avenue.
When the project started, oh so many years ago in 2010, there were two alternatives under consideration that included bike facilities. One had bike lanes and the other a side path. But neighbors were none-too-pleased about a trail being built on DDOT right-of-way that they kind of viewed as their front yard, so those options were canned in favor of 5 to 6 foot sidewalk instead. That was in 2013.
Since then, there have been 3 more meetings, but no construction, despite an expected start date in 2016. What has happened is that NPS has released a report expressing interest in a trail along this section of road.
A feasibility study should be pursued for Oregon Avenue to evaluate options and impacts of an off-road connection from Military Road to the D.C./Maryland line (and connecting to Rock Creek Trail in Montgomery County). An off-road trail along this corridor could help alleviate trail-traffic on Beach Drive. However, for the benefits to be realized and for the trail to be utilized as a high-volume corridor as proposed, the off-road trail would need to connect via an on-street route to Beach Drive (potentially Daniel Lane).
If you go to the meeting, that might be worth asking about, or mentioning.
What: Oregon Avenue Project Public Meeting
When: Wednesday, May 17, 2017 (6:30 pm to 8 pm)
Where: 5601 Connecticut Avenue NW (Chevy Chase Community Center)
They can't/won't even do sharrows?
If they're not going to do an honest multi-use path then there ought to be something.
I know people scoff at sharrows but the road profile looks well suited for them here.
Posted by: drumz | May 08, 2017 at 11:04 AM