Media Contact: Karyn Le Blanc (202) 671-3490 or Karyn.LeBlanc@dc.gov

(Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), along with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells and District officials, celebrated the start of the Benning Road/H Street Great Streets and Streetcar Project with a ceremonial ground breaking this morning.  Local ANC, H Street Main Street representatives and community members were on hand to participate in the momentous occasion.  Work on the Benning Road portion of the project began in late December 2007 and construction on H Street is scheduled to begin in the near future.  Over $65 million of reconstruction, infrastructure improvements and streetscape upgrades are scheduled for the three-year project.

“This is just another example of how the District government is committed to preserving historic and culturally rich neighborhoods,” said Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor of the District of Columbia.  “Initial investments have already produced results and are bringing a new vitality to this community.”

Work on the project will include the installation of new traffic signals, new streetlights, curb, gutter and sidewalks along with infrastructure and utility work which will include new fire hydrants and catch basins.  New trees and landscaping will also be included.

As with all Great Streets projects, the goal is to improve the safety and mobility for all modes of pedestrian and transportation movement.  This particular project will also include infrastructure for the highly anticipated streetcar which is part of DDOT’s green transit plan for improvements throughout the District.

“DDOT will be laying the infrastructure to operate a streetcar along this corridor as part of the overall scope of work,” said DDOT Director Emeka Moneme.  “Historic preservation in keeping with the original L’Enfant plan and providing safe and convenient transportation alternatives are all part of the DDOT mission and its regional mitigation congestion strategy.”

Benning Road and H Street will remain open at all times during construction with minimum two-lanes in each direction.  Pedestrian access as well as access to residents and businesses will also remain available.

Construction activity will be from 7:00am-7:00pm Monday through Saturday.