Recent changes to the traffic pattern at one of D.C.鈥檚 most problematic intersections are already improving traffic and wait times, according to the city鈥檚 Department of Transportation.
Drivers have long complained about delays and the inability to make certain turns in Northeast D.C., mainly at the intersection of Florida and New York avenues. But last weekend, the agency debuted the first phase of its project to transform the area that used to be called “Dave Thomas Circle” and is becoming the Mamie 鈥淧eanut鈥� Johnson Plaza.
The yearslong, is scheduled to finish in December. But Sharon Kershbaum, DDOT鈥檚 acting director, said some of the recently unveiled upgrades聽are already paying off.
鈥淧rior to these changes, when the Wendy鈥檚 was still here, and there was kind of a virtual circle, it was very problematic,鈥� Kershbaum said. 鈥淲e had people sitting in gridlock for sometimes 20 minutes at a time. This really eliminated a lot of the driver confusion, and we believe it’s going to improve safety and flow.鈥�
About 99,000 motorists pass through the intersection every day, Kershbaum said. It sits between the city鈥檚 Shaw, NoMa, Eckington and Union Market neighborhoods.
Now, a newly constructed First Street NE is open to two-way traffic between Florida and New York avenues, and Florida Avenue is open to two-way traffic. There鈥檚 also a left-turn signal for drivers turning from New York Avenue onto Florida Avenue.
鈥淭his morning, I just realized they created a turn lane, and it’s a smoother transition,鈥� said Corina Powell, who works nearby. 鈥淚’m hoping that eliminates that 15-minute wait time.鈥�
Monday marked the first rush hour since the changes were implemented, and Kershbaum said traffic control officers have been and will continue to be on site during rush hour to help drivers navigate the changes.
鈥淎nyone who has driven through would know that they just sat for way too long,鈥� Kershbaum said. 鈥淎nd it was confusing. This has been just a really great way to clear that up.鈥�
The first phase of the project involved demolishing a Wendy鈥檚 restaurant, putting down utilities and changing the traffic pattern. The next phase includes plans to install three park areas, upgraded bike lanes and improved sidewalks, Kershbaum said.
Many of the problems arose because 鈥渢he volume of traffic in the area just continued to grow as the area developed,鈥� Kershbaum said.
Shelby Butz, who lives near the intersection, said she typically walks places because 鈥渄riving is ridiculous, especially in this area.鈥�
鈥淵ou could sit in this little, two-football-field-size (area) for two hours in gridlock with all the different lights just sitting still, especially if a firetruck or ambulance comes by, you’re stuck for at least an hour,鈥� Butz said.
Zach Luckie also works nearby and said he previously described the intersection as one of the worst in the country before the changes.
鈥淢y friend actually drove through here last weekend,鈥� Luckie said. 鈥淗e was like, 鈥業 was through in 30 seconds. I couldn’t believe it.鈥� So I think it’s definitely a big improvement.鈥�
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
漏 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
