Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) Emeka Moneme, Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today announced that DDOT, through cooperation with its regional partners, has received a shipment of generators to help ensure traffic flow during power outages and during possible emergency evacuations from the District.

“These new generators are a fantastic addition to our city and I want to thank our regional and federal partners who supported this effort,” said Moneme. “At DDOT, our number one goal is safety. With the new generators we can get traffic signals on evacuation routes up and running within 90 minutes after losing power—and that’s a good thing for residents and visitors alike.”

Moneme, joined by Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1) made the announcement at the corner of 16th and S Streets, NW—where one of the generators was set up.

“These generators are useful not just in our downtown core but in neighborhoods like here in Dupont Circle East—along the critical corridor of 16th Street,” said Moneme. “This means we’ve made significant improvements since last year’s floods toward safer passage for residents and visitors during an emergency. And it means we’re prepared for any storms that this summer may bring us—or during future emergencies.”

The generators are manufactured by Phillips/Sisson Industries and were funded with US Department of Homeland Security funds. The $3 million cost includes an upgrade to existing controller cabinets necessary in order for the cabinets to accept the parameters of the new generators. 

Need for the generators was highlighted during last summer’s rain storms that caused traffic signal outages in the District’s downtown causing subsequent gridlock along Constitution Avenue.

The generators are designed to supply power at critical signalized intersections to manage traffic under emergency conditions during which power supplies are disrupted.