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

(Washington, DC) Michelle L. Pourciau, Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today was joined by City Council and federal and local leaders to celebrate the completion of the rehabilitation of Thomas Circle in Northwest. DDOT’s work on the circle is complete after a $6 million restoration and upgrade that lasted nearly two years.

The rehabilitation and upgrade featured:

• Streetscape redesign
• New curbs and gutters
• New sidewalks and bicycle lanes
• New pedestrian pathways leading to and from the circle
• New pedestrian countdown traffic signals
• New globe lights
• New landscaping inside circle
• Reconfiguration of circle to original L’Enfant Plan

“Today’s event is really the celebration of a partnership,” said Pourciau. “Together we rolled up our sleeves and worked together to bring about a huge transformation to this historic circle. The restoration of the circle will not only increase traffic, pedestrian and bicycle flow — it reinforces the historic character of the surrounding area and transforms the circle to a functional park.”

The final design includes directing all vehicular traffic to the perimeter of the circle, thereby eliminating cut-through lanes. This consolidation allows for a larger and more functional landscaped area. This circle is a great example of DDOT’s desire to incorporate “multi-modal” transportation with smart growth features into our transportation designs.