Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Penn Ave West project?

The Penn Ave West project seeks to improve travel for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic along Pennsylvania Avenue west of the White House.

What are the objectives of the project?

  • Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, comfort and mobility along the corridor while maintaining operations for other modes
  • Connectivity to surrounding bicycle network
  • Develop a uniform streetscape design
  • Provide opportunities for activation
  • Maintain the historic viewshed along the corridor

What are the limits of the work?

The Project area is bound by 17th and 22nd Streets, NW including key intersections like H and I Streets, NW.

What is the current status?

DDOT is refining the concept developed in the Downtown West Transportation Planning Study, based on survey and utility information. DDOT completed the 30% design in late 2019 and is currently presenting the 65% design for public review.

How will I be able to provide input on the project as a person who lives and/or works in the area?

DDOT will be providing updates at ANC2A and ANC2B meetings and hosting public meetings to solicit feedback on the concept design. We also invite people to provide comments on the project website.

Is DDOT working with historic preservation groups?

DDOT is informing stakeholder groups including the National Park Service (NPS), Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

What utility coordination will be happening?

DDOT is working and consulting with a number of utility and transit agencies including WMATA, Pepco, DC Water, Washington Gas and Verizon.

What is a protected bike lane?

Protected bike lanes, also known as cycle tracks and separated bike lanes provide physical separation between people on bikes and motor vehicles.

Why is a [protected] bike lane being installed on Pennsylvania Avenue NW west of the White House?

To help meet objectives defined in moveDC, the city’s multimodal long-range transportation plan, DDOT has been advancing [protected] bike lanes throughout the District to enhance mobility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

How will I find out about construction activities?

A construction timeline has not been established. We encourage people to sign up for project updates at com.

Who is the project contact for future questions and how can they be reached?

The project contact is Wayne Wilson who can be reached at wayne.wilson@dc.gov. You may also contact Karyn Le Blanc at karyn.leblanc@kglcommunications.com.