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DDOT outlines Connecticut Avenue streetscape and deck‑over plan, construction timing and access rules
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Summary
The District Department of Transportation presented design, traffic staging and a roughly 24‑month construction schedule for the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck‑Over project, describing protected bike lanes, a new deck plaza over the underpass near DuPont Circle and rules for work hours and business access.
Karen LeBlanc, a public engagement consultant with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), presented the agency's plan for the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck‑Over project during a public meeting April 23 at Saint Margaret's Church in Northwest Washington.
The presentation described two linked components: streetscape improvements along Connecticut Avenue from Q Street to California Street and a deck‑over that will create a new plaza above the existing underpass north of DuPont Circle. "The deck over plaza will create a new public space for the community for strolling, relaxing, working, and other future programming," LeBlanc said.
DDOT said the streetscape work will include protected bike lanes connecting to Columbia Road, R Street and future Twentieth Street facilities; upgraded sidewalks with pressed concrete pavers; new curb and gutter; ADA ramps; median islands; upgraded street lights and traffic signals; storm drainage and bioretention planters; trees with structural soil; benches and multi‑space parking meters; and updates to utilities and other infrastructure.
For the deck‑over portion, the contractor will construct tunnel‑wall foundations and then install a new deck structure over the underpass lanes north of DuPont Circle. LeBlanc said safety bollards and plantings will be installed along the plaza edges and that the new deck area will include benches, raised planters, bike racks and bus shelter locations similar to the streetscape elements.
DDOT noted the project requires multiple stakeholder and utility coordination and that pedestrian access to retail and restaurants will be maintained during construction. The agency said the service lanes beneath the circle will be closed for deck‑over construction and reopened when construction is complete, though they could be closed for approved events in the future.
LeBlanc gave an estimated construction timeline and work‑hour rules: the contract was awarded in February 2025, site preparation and submittals will precede physical work, and construction is not expected to begin until later in the summer. Streetscape work in the active roadway is allowed between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; work behind Jersey barriers (for example, sidewalks) and deck/underpass work is permitted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night work may be allowed only with prior DDOT approval. DDOT estimated the full project will take approximately 24 months.
LeBlanc described a phased approach to minimize disruption: crews will work in short segments and complete each phase before moving on, keeping at least one travel lane open on blocks where sidewalks are being reconstructed. For the deck‑over, LeBlanc said certain underpass lanes will be temporarily closed at times while foundations, beams and the deck are installed. During some phases Q Street between Connecticut Avenue and 19th Street and 19th Street from Q Street to the circle will be designated two‑way to facilitate detours.
The contractor will stage equipment and materials in public space identified during design, with DDOT indicating an agreed staging area near Massachusetts Avenue. LeBlanc also noted the eastern sidewall area currently houses the DuPont Underground arts space and pointed out the red‑outlined area in the presentation as the build footprint for the new deck infrastructure.
DDOT emphasized public engagement during construction: the project has a website and a monitored project email (conab.deckover@dc.gov) for updates and a QR code on yard signage to link to the project site. LeBlanc said the agency plans regular outreach to businesses and residents and will provide advance notice of any traffic detours or other changes.
The presentation was informational; LeBlanc answered procedural questions about staging, sequence and access but did not present any formal votes or council actions at the meeting.
Future project milestones to watch include final contractor submittals, confirmation of the construction start date, any approved night work permits from DDOT, and public notices about specific phase start dates and detours.
