Frequently Asked Questions

The improvements in this area include total roadway reconstruction, waterline and drainage upgrades, special pavers sidewalks, granite curbs and concrete gutter, construction of a public plaza and interactive fountain associated utilities and equipment, landscaping, street lighting, intersection and signal improvements, enhancements to traffic operations, pedestrian amenities, and safety improvements.

Question: Will there be construction on the north side of Park Road? When will it start?
Answer: There will be construction on the north side of Park Road starting at Mt. Pleasant St. and heading east as soon as construction is finished on the south side between Mt. Pleasant St. and Hiatt Place. North side construction is scheduled to start on the 1600 block in March, weather permitting.

Question: Will my water get shut off while they are working on the water lines?
Answer: Water will not get shut off except in an emergency. The construction crew will alert the residents if this should occur.

Question: Where will my trash get picked up when there is construction in front of my door?
Answer: The project team is working with the multiple trash haulers that service Park Road to identify pickup locations during construction.

Question: Why is construction being done on Park Road?
Answer: Construction is being done on Park Road to make intersection, signal and safety improvements, reconstruct the roadway, install pedestrian amenities, and make upgrades to the sidewalks, curbs and gutters, waterline and drainage, landscaping and street lighting.

Question: Park Road has narrow sidewalks between 16th and 17th Streets. Will the sidewalks be widened to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Answer: The sidewalks on the south side of the 1600 block of Park Road will be widened by two feet to meet ADA requirements.

Question: What is being done to reduce traffic congestion during construction?
Answer: We have flag men who control and regulate traffic as conditions dictate. We are working to coordinate schedules with schools, churches and businesses in the construction area. One lane of traffic will be open at all times, with the exception of short, periodic closures when moving equipment.

Question: How can I get to my home or business during construction?
Answer: There will be access to homes, schools, businesses and churches at all times. All the sidewalk areas will not be under construction at the same time. Sidewalk construction will be done in sections to minimize the impact on pedestrian access. For those who are impacted, we will work to reroute access using ramps and other means.

Question: Where will I walk when the sidewalk is closed?
Answer: When one sidewalk is closed the opposite sidewalk will always be open.

Question: Where will the Smart Bikes and new street furniture be located near the Metro Station and civic plaza?
Answer: So far, the proposed location for the Smart Bikes is the southeast corner of 14th and Irving Streets, by the CVS.

Question: Are you adjusting the traffic light and walk signal timing?
Answer: We will adjust timing on the existing roadway during construction. We will set new timing at the end to reflect the completed construction.

Question: When is the ground breaking going to take place?
Answer: Preliminary work on the Columbia Heights Streetscape project began on Monday, July 14th, with site preparation at the Triangle Park located at 14th Street and Park Road NW. Phase 1 of the project provides for reconstruction of Park Rd NW and Triangle Park concurrently. The contractor is in the process of mobilizing and starting construction. The fountain at Triangle Park is a design build process and the design is currently in production. The public can expect that the design will be introduced to them in the early spring for review and comment. Completion of the park is expected summer 2009.

Question: Is the project on schedule? Is the park/fountain going to be complete by August 2009?
Answer: The project is on schedule, consistent with Mayor Fenty's press release of July 16, 2008. Preliminary work on the Columbia Heights Streetscape project began on Monday, July 14th, with site preparation at the triangle park located at 14th Street and Park Road NW. DDOT opened an invitation for bid to contractors on August 6th. The invitation for bidders process closed in September 2008, and Civil Construction, LLC was selected. Civil Construction is in their mobilization stage and will begin construction very soon on Park Road NW.

Question: How will the public be kept informed?
Answer: The Columbia Heights Streetscape project will convene public meetings and distribute print and email newsletters to provide project updates.  The project civic engagement team is conducting outreach with ANC’s, civic associations, schools, businesses, faith communities, and other community institutions.  The civic engagement team also includes Spanish-speaking staff.