Media Contact:  John Lisle at (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is scheduled to begin work in several intersections on Benning Road, NE on Friday, June 12, and motorists are advised that temporary “no left turn” restrictions will be implemented between 23rd Place and Oklahoma Avenue. In addition, there will be temporary lane closures in the westbound lanes of Benning Road for paving work.

“No Left Turn” Restrictions (see map*)

Temporary “no left turn” restrictions take effect on Friday, June 12, at the intersections of Benning Road and 23rd Place, 24th Street, 25th Place, 26th Street, and Oklahoma Avenue. The following restrictions will remain in place until approximately August 1 to facilitate road work in the intersections:

• If you are traveling east on Benning Road, you will be unable to turn left onto 26th Street.
• If you are traveling west on Benning Road, you will be unable to turn left onto 23rd Place, 25th Place, or Oklahoma Avenue.
• If you are traveling north on 24th Street, 25th Place, or Oklahoma Avenue, you will be unable to turn left onto Benning Road or cross the intersection.
• If you are traveling south on 26th Street, you will be unable to turn left onto Benning Road or cross the intersection.

The restrictions will not affect traffic turning right at these intersections. Detour signs will be posted, directing left-turning Benning Road motorists to 21st Street.  Within this area, to reach Benning Road from the south, motorists may use E Street to 21st Street, then take 21st to Benning Road.

Lane Closures (see map*)

Westbound traffic on Benning Road between 16th and 21st Streets will be restricted to one lane between the hours of 9:30 am and 7 pm on Friday, June 12, and again on Monday June 15, 2009 through Sunday June 21, 2009, for roadway paving.

Crews will close the two northernmost westbound lanes to allow for the application of the final top coat of asphalt. One westbound lane will remain open at all times and all of the inbound lanes will be available during the morning rush hours. In addition, there will not be any lane restrictions on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14.

Access to Metrobus stops within the area will be maintained and flaggers will be stationed near the bus stops to assist passengers.

The lane closure are necessary as part of DDOT’s Benning Road Reconstruction Project accelerated completion schedule. This schedule will allow DDOT to complete the paving of two lanes in each direction, from 16th Street to Oklahoma Avenue, by mid-August 2009. For more information about the project, please visit our website at ddot.dc.gov.