Conn. Ave. Crosswalk Safety Meeting March 12th

DDOT has been studying safety and usage at ten marked Connecticut Avenue crosswalks with no traffic signals. You’re invited to hear the results on Wednesday, March 12th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Methodist Home’s Assembly Hall (4901 Connecticut Avenue).

The evaluation of these hazardous crosswalks and this meeting to explore possible remedies are the result of a pedestrian crash last May on Connecticut Avenue at Chevy Chase Parkway. Also, a 2010 Connecticut Avenue Pedestrian Action report recommended that DDOT address the safety hazard presented by unsignalized marked crosswalks.

Having a marked crosswalk without a signal across a multiple lane street is more dangerous for pedestrians than not having any marked crosswalk. And according to federal safety guidelines, such crosswalks should have a pedestrian signal if pedestrian traffic warrants it. There are ten such crosswalks between Chevy Chase Circle and Calvert Street: at Legation, Kanawha, Jocelyn, Ingomar, Chevy Chase Parkway, Everett, Ellicott, Chesapeake, Cumberland, and Appleton.

The March 12th meeting is hosted by Beth Jansen, executive director of Sunrise Senior Living; Sandy Douglass, the CEO and administrator of The Methodist Home and Forest Side; and Marlene Berlin, Iona Senior Services’ pedestrian advocate. DDOT Pedestrian Coordinator George Branyan will give a presentation about the results of the crosswalk evaluation.

Also, some of these crosswalks are near bus stops. Christian Blake and Dave Brlansky from WMATA, which has just completed a bus stop survey of the Metropolitan Area, will also be in attendance to discuss possible options.

After Mr. Branyan makes his presentation, there will be opportunity for the community ask questions and explore possible next steps of addressing this pedestrian safety hazard.