Work finally begins on Dupont Circle deckover plaza project
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Image: Courtesy of District Department of Transportation
Construction has finally kicked off on a long-awaited refresh of Connecticut Avenue around Dupont Circle that will result in a much-discussed "deckover" public plaza.
Why it matters: The idea of covering the Connecticut Avenue underpass with a plaza has been around since the 1960s, reports Washingtonian, and locals have wondered for years when work would start.
The big picture: Planned upgrades will make the area between the north portion of Dupont Circle and California Street Northwest more pedestrian and biker-friendly, per a District Department of Transportation (DDOT) presentation earlier this year.
Driving the news: Streetscape improvements are underway, which will revamp the portion of Connecticut Avenue between Q Street to California Street, a DDOT spokesperson tells Axios.
- This will result in upgraded curbs, sidewalks, traffic medians, ramps, and traffic and stop lights, plus new protected bike lanes.
State of play: Once the two-year, $37.8 million project is finished, the existing Connecticut Avenue underpass will be covered with a public plaza stretching from Dupont Circle to Q Street.
- Service lanes will remain, bordered by pavers, and a pedestrian walkway will connect Connecticut Avenue's east and west sides.
- The plaza might be used for events like the farmers market and outdoor movies, per DDOT.
Between the lines: Construction will happen in phases on one side of Connecticut Avenue at a time to minimize disruption, but expect some parking restrictions, lane closures and detours in the area.
- You'll still be able to access all the businesses lining Connecticut Avenue during construction, though.
The other side: Several groups like Save Connecticut Avenue and the Dupont Circle Citizens Association, as well as some residents, are concerned about the project's construction impacts on local businesses and the effects of traffic detours, reports Washingtonian.
What we're watching: Expect the project to be completed by 2027.