Media Contacts: Erik Linden @ DDOT, 202-671-2004 or Karyn LeBlanc @ DDOT, 202-671-3490

(Washington, DC) Mayor Adrian M. Fenty joined the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Georgetown University and Councilmember Jack Evans (Ward 2) to celebrate the completed renovation of Canal Road and a brand new signalized intersection at the Georgetown University entrance in Northwest. The new signal was activated by Mayor Fenty at 10 am today.

Work began on January 2, 2007 and wrapped up this week. The $4 million project used a combination of federal and local funds. The work featured the widening of Canal Road between the Georgetown University entrance and the Whitehurst Freeway.

The project helped create a functional intersection at the university entrance—with a dedicated left turn lane for inbound Canal Road traffic heading into the university.

It also created the ability for drivers leaving Georgetown University to make a left turn (except during morning rush hour) onto Canal Road heading inbound.

“This project took one year to complete, but it is many years in the making,” said Mayor Fenty. “The end result is a smoother and safer Canal Road with a dedicated entrance to Georgetown University. This new entrance helps reduce congestion in our neighborhoods to the benefit of local residents.”

Work included the replacement all of the streetlights in the median with new decorative “teardrop” lights and sidewalk repair on the north side of Canal Road.

“I’m thrilled with the results of this project,” said Emeka Moneme, DDOT’s Director. “Our team at DDOT worked incredibly hard on Canal Road, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration’s Eastern Federal Lands division, local neighborhood residents and others. Congratulations to all on a job well done.”

Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia said: “This ribbon-cutting represents the culmination of a project that will certainly help both Georgetown University and the community we are proud to be a part of. The completion of this project reflects the successful cooperation of many government and civic partners and I am deeply grateful to all who have worked over the years to make it a reality.”