CONTACT: Karyn Le Blanc – 202/671-3490, Karyn.LeBlanc@dc.gov

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is scheduled to begin work on the reconstruction of Benning Road, NE, from 14th and H Street to Oklahoma Avenue, a federally funded, $35 million reconstruction and streetscape upgrade project. Weather permitting, crews are scheduled to start construction at 14th/H Street and Benning Road Wednesday, December 26, 2007.

The project is scheduled to take approximately two years, weather permitting, with completion anticipated in early 2010.

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.

Benning Road, NE represents one of the corridors included in the Great Streets Initiative. As with all Great Streets projects, the goal is to improve the safety and mobility for all modes of pedestrian and transportation movement.

“DDOT is extremely pleased to begin the construction on Benning Road, NE,” said DDOT Director Emeka Moneme. “The much anticipated street and sidewalk transformation will further augment the historic and culturally rich neighborhoods along this corridor.”

Benning Road 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 7:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday.