Mayor Bowser Releases the DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force Report at the Launch of the Regional Street Smart Campaign

(Washington, DC) – At the moment, Mayor Muriel Bowser launched the DC Construct Again Higher Infrastructure Job Drive report, which outlines key suggestions for the way the District can use the greater than $3 billion in funds coming to DC from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). The report additionally offers updates to the general public on the duty drive’s work, together with 17 venture proposals. The suggestions will information the District in planning and implementing transformative, equitable, sustainable, and achievable tasks.

“After I convened the duty drive earlier this 12 months, I requested members to assume massive in order that we will proceed constructing a extra linked, resilient, and inclusive metropolis,” stated Mayor Bowser. “By President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation, we now have a chance to remodel our metropolis and guarantee DC is ready for no matter comes at us sooner or later. In fact, in neighborhoods throughout DC, we’re already getting {dollars} out the door, and I wish to thank all of the people who find themselves working with us – domestically, regionally, and on the federal degree – to construct a safer, stronger, and greener DC.”

Particular suggestions within the process drive report embody:

• Reworking the North Capitol Road hall into an city boulevard that’s safer and extra inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Redesigning the DC295/I-295 hall to reconnect communities remoted by the dividing line of the freeway and adjoining railroads.
• Guaranteeing a clear, wholesome, and resilient surroundings by having District buildings go “web zero” and increasing leisure choices alongside the Anacostia River.
• Making ready the District for a extra technologically modern future by increasing broadband infrastructure in Wards 5, 7, and eight.
• Establishing District residents for higher paying jobs by creating new job coaching applications, like a Inexperienced Jobs Academy.
• Ensuring procurement processes are as environment friendly as doable to maximise alternatives for District companies to work on BIL tasks.

The complete report might be discovered at infrastructure.dc.gov.

On the launch of the report, the Mayor was joined by officers from District Division of Transportation (DDOT) and the Metropolitan Police Division in addition to officers from Maryland, Virginia, and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) to launch the Road Sensible marketing campaign. This annual regional marketing campaign combines training and enforcement to construct safer streets and sidewalks, implement visitors security legal guidelines, and practice higher drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, particularly throughout the darker winter months.

Created by the MWCOG jurisdictions in 2002, the tutorial part of the Road Sensible marketing campaign contains transit advertisements, media outreach, digital engagement, video testimonials, and on-the-ground outreach.

“In 2021, there have been 732 crashes involving pedestrians and 413 crashes involving bicyclists within the District. These numbers are far too nice, particularly with extra individuals strolling, biking, and scooting within the area than ever earlier than,” stated DDOT Director Everett Lott. “At DDOT, we’re dedicated to constructing safer streets for all, and we stand in assist with our regional transportation leaders in reminding all roadway customers of the human toll that comes when visitors legal guidelines are actually adopted.”

At as we speak’s marketing campaign launch, native crash sufferer Helen Harris and MWCOG representatives emphasised that this time of 12 months is especially harmful because of darker night commutes and decreased visibility.

“As a neighborhood, we can assist to reverse the nationwide development of report pedestrian deaths throughout the fall season by understanding and obeying the visitors legal guidelines and pace limits within the area, and making our Road Sensible ideas part of everybody’s transportation routine,” stated COG Govt Director Chuck Bean.

The occasion was held on Wheeler Highway, beforehand recognized as a high-risk hall and the place DDOT has taken motion to cut back the pace of visitors and scale back crashes. DDOT’s work alongside Wheeler Highway has included:

• Lane reductions (street weight loss plan) from 4 lanes to 2 lanes with flip pockets to create a constant journey stream that scale back crashes and improves pedestrian security
• Concrete pedestrian islands, curb extensions, and an oblong fast flashing beacon to make it safer for pedestrians to cross the road
• Paint and flex publish median to gradual autos and scale back pedestrian crossing distances
• Rubber left flip visitors calming to decelerate left turns and hold drivers from crossing the double yellow line when turning
• Painted murals at curb extension areas outline pedestrian-only areas

Automated visitors enforcement information present a lower within the variety of visitors citations issued within the space after completion of the fast construct venture. DDOT will full the opposite half of Wheeler Highway between Mississippi Avenue and Southern Avenue SE with the identical varieties of security enhancements and make everlasting all of fast construct supplies via a capital enchancment venture.

To be taught extra concerning the Road Sensible Marketing campaign, please go to bestreetsmart.web.