Metro’s SafeTrack surge is having an impact on DC drivers above ground.
Anticipating a jump in traffic as people jump into cars and Uber to avoid ten months of Metro track repairs, the DC government in early June announced extended rush-hour parking hours for major roads. The extended hours were meant to free up extra travel lanes and help move what was expected to be heavier traffic volume as a result of ongoing Metro repair work.
On August 1, the rush hour rules were extended to north-south corridors, including Connecticut Avenue. This means no one can park on Connecticut from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. This includes free residential parking, as well as metered parking. The fine for violating these new rules is $100.
The end of the SafeTrack repairs surge might not mean the end of the extended parking restrictions. According to WTOP, “Although the extended parking hours are temporary and will last through the end of the scheduled track work in March (2017), DDOT will analyze the impact of the changes during the coming months to decide whether they should become permanent.”
Hours for the reversible rush hour lanes on Connecticut have not changed. Between 24th and Legation Streets, Northwest, there remain four southbound (inbound) lanes from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and four northbound (outbound) lanes from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.