Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004; Karyn LeBlanc (202) 671-3490

Regional Contacts: Ryan Hall (VDOT): (571) 238-5029; Valerie Burnette Edgar (MS - SHA): (443) 463-7129; Sgt. Scott Fear (USPP): (202) 497-0612

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), in coordination with its regional transportation and public safety partners, will carry out a limited test of its emergency traffic signal timing pattern on July 4th. The Operation Fast Forward II test will incorporate the lessons learned from last year’s Operation Fast Forward I, evaluate regional traffic signal timing, and test emergency transportation communication protocols.

The planned traffic signal tests will be conducted on selected emergency/evacuation routes from the National Mall to the Beltway. The test will commence approximately 15 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks and run for 60 minutes. Regional message boards will be activated and the District’s Highway Advisory Radio (1650 am) will broadcast information to notify travelers the test is in progress.

“This exciting operation is another step forward for us in emergency transportation planning,” said Michelle Pourciau, acting Director of DDOT. “For the second year in a row, we’ll learn how traffic and pedestrians are affected following a major event, and how our transportation systems work during an emergency. DDOT will use the results to plan and execute larger scale tests of emergency transportation plans.”

DDOT and its regional partners remind pedestrians and motorists to obey all traffic laws, including crossing at designated crosswalks and following the directions of Metropolitan Police and other law enforcement personnel.

The Operation Fast Forward II Emergency Routes to be tested are:

District of Columbia:

• Route 1: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW / 3rd Street / Independence Avenue / Washington Avenue, SW / South Capitol Street / Suitland Parkway
• Route 2: 9th Street, NW
• Route 3: 14th Street, NW
• Route 4: Constitution Avenue, NW (15th Street, NW – 23rd Street, NW)
• Route 5: Connecticut Avenue, NW
• Route 6: Rhode Island Avenue, NW