Washington Gas’s 40-year pipe replacement project has arrived in our area. And what timing.
The workzone is on Linnean Avenue between Davenport and Harrison Streets and encompasses parts of Ellicott and 30th Streets.
Jerry Fry, the superintendent for Washington Gas contractor DCI, told me his crew is working Mondays through Saturdays, and he’s been directed to complete this part of the project by the end of November.
This work means slow-going on Linnean Avenue while drivers seek alternatives to the closed Beach Drive to the south. It may be contributing to increased traffic at the intersection of 36th and Fessenden.
Washington Gas will be giving a presentation on the project at ANC 3F’s October 18th meeting.
Paul says
The work crews from DCI have been very considerate and helpful to neighbors and others looking to navigate their way through closed intersections, blocked portions of Linnean, and other temporary inconveniences. Washington Gas has communicated to residents of Linnean and surrounding blocks next to nothing before or during the project as to what to expect, when the construction will be finished, and when the roadway will be restored. (The latter stage is the District’s effort — but, equally, the District has done nothing to brief residents. It’s interesting that the Gas company is briefing the ANC, but, once again, the ANC does nothing to brief residents — if someone doesn’t take an evening to go to a meeting there is never any ANC-to-resident communications, except for the very brief notices in FHC and the (usually delayed) updates on the ANC site. So we seem to have a lot of officials speaking with other officials, but no one addressing residents — those who are affected the most by these projects.
Mary Beth Ray says
Hi Paul, we just got notice of the work from CM Cheh’s office, we did not get notice from Washington Gas. When we heard about the project from CM Cheh, we requested Wash. Gas attend an ANC meeting to brief the community. I hear your frustration about communication– if you have any suggestions for how we can improve, would you please email me directly at [email protected]? I welcome your ideas. Best, Mary Beth Ray, Commissioner, ANC 3F3