DDOT outlines South Dakota project study and safety upgrades for Ward 5 intersections
June 10, 2025 | Committee on Transportation and the Environment, Committees, Legislative, District of Columbia
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Residents of Ward 5 can expect improvements in road safety and infrastructure following a recent budget oversight hearing led by Councilmember Charles Allen. The meeting, held on June 10, 2025, focused on the status of various transportation projects, particularly the South Dakota project, which has been allocated $1 million from last fiscal year’s budget.
The South Dakota project will undergo a study to assess the feasibility of implementing a road diet, despite current funding limitations. The study aims to gather crucial data while also addressing immediate safety concerns at problematic intersections. Allen emphasized that while the full corridor work may not be feasible at this time, the focus will be on making quick improvements to enhance safety for residents.
In addition to the South Dakota project, the committee discussed the need for better enforcement of truck restrictions in Ward 5. Currently, there are only ten truck restriction cameras deployed, with four located in Ward 5. Allen suggested optimizing the existing camera placements before considering the addition of new cameras, highlighting the importance of effective resource management.
Another pressing issue raised during the meeting was the persistent flooding problems affecting the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) under the New York Avenue Bridge. Allen noted that the Department of Transportation (DDOT) has received numerous complaints regarding this issue and committed to following up on the costs associated with potential drainage solutions.
The committee also touched on the development of a critical trail connection between the MBT and the future Prince George's County connector. While funding for other segments of the trail is secured, the costs for extending the project remain unclear, and further discussions will be necessary to determine the next steps.
As these projects move forward, the community can look forward to enhanced safety measures and infrastructure improvements that aim to address long-standing concerns in Ward 5. The DDOT plans to hold a public meeting this summer to provide updates and gather community feedback on these initiatives.
The South Dakota project will undergo a study to assess the feasibility of implementing a road diet, despite current funding limitations. The study aims to gather crucial data while also addressing immediate safety concerns at problematic intersections. Allen emphasized that while the full corridor work may not be feasible at this time, the focus will be on making quick improvements to enhance safety for residents.
In addition to the South Dakota project, the committee discussed the need for better enforcement of truck restrictions in Ward 5. Currently, there are only ten truck restriction cameras deployed, with four located in Ward 5. Allen suggested optimizing the existing camera placements before considering the addition of new cameras, highlighting the importance of effective resource management.
Another pressing issue raised during the meeting was the persistent flooding problems affecting the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) under the New York Avenue Bridge. Allen noted that the Department of Transportation (DDOT) has received numerous complaints regarding this issue and committed to following up on the costs associated with potential drainage solutions.
The committee also touched on the development of a critical trail connection between the MBT and the future Prince George's County connector. While funding for other segments of the trail is secured, the costs for extending the project remain unclear, and further discussions will be necessary to determine the next steps.
As these projects move forward, the community can look forward to enhanced safety measures and infrastructure improvements that aim to address long-standing concerns in Ward 5. The DDOT plans to hold a public meeting this summer to provide updates and gather community feedback on these initiatives.
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