Pennsylvania-Potomac Avenue SE Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study

Proposed Project Concepts

Project Concept 1: No Build No changes are proposed to the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave SE, Potomac Ave SE, and 14th St SE. Signal timing modifications would occur under typical DDOT practice.

Project Concept 2: Mid-Block Crosswalk A mid-block crosswalk at Pennsylvania Ave SE would be constructed to provide a more direct path for pedestrians crossing Pennsylvania Ave SE. Signal timing modifications would occur under typical DDOT practice, as discussed in Concept 1. A mid-block pedestrian crosswalk is proposed between the two existing signalized intersections of Pennsylvania Ave SE with Potomac Ave SE, and additional signal timing modifications would be made to improve traffic operations and to accommodate the proposed crosswalk. Two existing crosswalks and sidewalks would be removed on both sides of the Pennsylvania Ave SE median. The sidewalks would be replaced with grass to increase the size of the median.

Project Concept 3: T Intersections The Potomac Ave SE approaches to Pennsylvania Ave SE would be modified to intersect at "T" configurations to provide a more direct path for pedestrians crossing Pennsylvania Ave SE and reduce the number of roadways pedestrians need to cross to access the Potomac Ave Metrorail Station. A mid-block pedestrian crosswalk would be constructed, signal timing modifications would be made (removal of signal at WB Pennsylvania & 14th, as 14th St connection would be removed), and existing crosswalks on Pennsylvania Ave SE would be removed as discussed in Concept 2. The northbound and southbound approaches of Potomac Ave SE would be realigned to intersect with Pennsylvania Ave SE at T-intersections and the northbound approach of 14th St SE would be reconfigured to intersect Pennsylvania Ave SE. The southbound approach of Pennsylvania Ave SE adjacent to the Potomac Ave Metrorail Station would be closed to both inbound and outbound traffic. A turnaround would be constructed at the closed end of 14th St SE to accommodate movements to the existing Potomac Ave Metrorail Station Kiss and Ride. Existing residential parking at the closed end of 14th St SE would be retained. Because of the realignment of Potomac Ave SE, existing roadways on both the north and south sides of Pennsylvania Ave SE would no longer be needed and would be closed to traffic and could be converted to public space. The closed roadways would result in fewer roadways for pedestrians to cross in order to access the Potomac Ave Metrorail Station.

Project Concept 4: Signalized Oval The intersection would be completely reconstructed into a signalized traffic oval, with all approaches into the oval signalized, to provide a more direct path for pedestrians crossing Pennsylvania Ave SE and reduce the number of roadways pedestrians need to cross in order to access the Potomac Ave Metrorail Station. The intersection would be transformed into a signalized traffic oval with all approaches into the oval signalized. Signal timings would be modified to optimize traffic through the oval and accommodate pedestrian crossings. The alignments of Pennsylvania Ave SE, Potomac Ave SE, and 14th St SE would be modified so that the approaches into the oval meet turning radii standards. As a result of modifying roadway alignments, Pennsylvania Ave SE would be closer to existing residences located north and south of Pennsylvania Ave SE. All approaches from Potomac Ave SE and from 14th St SE would be retained. All existing crosswalks on Pennsylvania Ave SE would be removed and replaced with crosswalks at 14th St SE and both outer edges of the traffic oval. An expanded public space could be provided in the middle of the signalized oval.

Summary of Public Comments Received since First Scoping Meeting on January 31, 2013
Pedestrian Safety Discourage crossing at inappropriate locations with bollards or landscaping. Coordinate pedestrian signal timing with motorists making right turns.

Bicyclists Locate a Capital Bikeshare station at Potomac Metro Station. Extend bike lane on 14th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue.

Traffic Patterns Deter increased traffic on side streets. Reduce traffic backups in left lane of Pennsylvania Avenue headed west as motorists make a left turn onto Potomac Avenue.

Potomac Metro Station Area Consider relocating the Kiss and Ride entrance from Potomac Ave to the 14th and G Street intersection. Enlarge the plaza in front of the station.

Green Space Incorporate low impact development treatments into green space such as rain gardens and bioswales.

Visit the Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues project page at Anacostiawaterfront.org/Penn-Potomac or send an email to pennpotomac@prrbiz.com. To join the project or AWI community contact list or ask questions, please email ddot.awi@dc.gov or call 202-741-8528.