Long-awaited Connecticut Avenue deckover enters next phase
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The Connecticut Avenue deckover is at long last being … decked over.
Why it matters: It's the namesake element of a huge, roughly $38 million project to refresh the main thoroughfare of Dupont Circle — one that's been in the works for decades and which locals have long anticipated.
State of play: Construction has been underway since last summer on the public plaza that will cover the existing Connecticut Ave. underpass from Dupont Circle to Q Street, creating a new pedestrian space connecting its east and west sides.
- Work has already wrapped up on the northernmost section of Connecticut Avenue's streetscape, as well as on portions of the sidewalks.
- Now crews are installing the support beams that will serve as the eventual foundation for the deckover above the underpass.
- Next comes insulating the beams and pouring concrete. The entire project is expected to be finished by next summer.
Traffic alert: The underpass lanes are now closed at night from Monday to Thursdays and all day from Friday evening to Monday morning so crews can work on the project. Expect these closures for up to four months.
- Street work is also being done on the 1600, 1700 and 2000 blocks along Connecticut, as well as at the small park outside Mission.
Friction point: Many business owners along Connecticut have said that the construction is limiting foot traffic and torpedoing revenue.
- When Dupont eatery Taim closed this year, some speculated whether the construction was a factor.
- The Dupont Circle BID earlier this year asked the D.C. Council for $2 million to help these businesses.
While the BID hasn't received this money, the Department of Small and Local Business Development granted $10,000 each to businesses located within portions of the 1500, 1600 and 1700 blocks, Dupont Circle BID executive director Bill McLeod tells Axios.
- Some businesses in the area are still struggling, though, and the BID will keep pushing to get funding for more spots, says McLeod.
The big picture: Once built, the deckover will create a public gathering space that could be used for events like outdoor movies and farmers markets.
- The project also upgrades much of the surrounding streetscape, like curbs, sidewalks, traffic medians, and stop lights, plus adds new protected bike lanes.