The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has publicized the latest version of a new plan to improve safety at the intersection of New York and Florida Avenue, in Northeast D.C., also known as “Dave Thomas Circle.”
DDOT held a community meeting at Whitfield’s church on December 10 to discuss the dangers posed by the busy intersection for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers, as well as how to fix these issues.
There is a Wendy’s restaurant located in the middle of the triangle, which forces drivers to go around it.
The agency made changes to the area in order to solve the traffic and congestion nine years ago. However, the new pattern made things even worse, according to some, as almost 500 traffic accidents have taken place at the roundabout since 2015.
DDOT Director Jeff Marootian, who spoke to NBC 4 Washington, said “I can’t speak about previous decisions other than to say we have learned a lot in recent years.”
“We are committed to fixing Dave Thomas circle once and for all,” Marootian promised.
DDOT has been working on the issue for the past six years and announced a proposed plan in April this year, asking for the public’s opinion. After some amendments were made to the plan according to public feedback, it was unveiled during Tuesday’s open house.
Among the major changes are shifting a proposed two-way cycle track on First Street to the east side of the street, including a new crosswalk from the east side of First Street NE across New York Avenue and allowing two-way traffic on First Street between Florida Avenue and New York Avenue.
Adding green spaces and relocating the Wendy’s have also been suggested as part of the new plans.
The multimillion dollar project will kick off in 2021.
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