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DDOT posts notice of intent for Eastern Avenue changes; Mount Rainier to comment
Summary
DDOT’s NOI proposes lane changes, left‑turn bays, refuge islands and parking removal on Eastern Avenue (a roadway in DC that affects Mount Rainier). Councilmember Jarrett Solstice urged a city comment by Nov. 18 and suggested additional bump‑outs and refuge at Russell to improve pedestrian safety.
Councilmember Jarrett Solstice briefed the council on the District Department of Transportation’s Notice of Intent (NOI) for plan changes on Eastern Avenue at the Oct. 15 work session, and urged the mayor and council to submit comments during DDOT’s 30‑day public comment period (comments due Nov. 18).
Solstice emphasized that Eastern Avenue is legally within the District of Columbia but that DDOT’s changes directly affect Mount Rainier residents who cross or use the corridor. The NOI’s short‑term proposals include left‑turn bays at key intersections, refuge islands and daylighting at 20 Eighth Street, lane hatching to narrow travel lanes, new no‑right‑on‑red signage, and the removal of a length of low‑utilization parking that is frequently occupied by large commercial trucks.
Solstice recommended the city’s comment endorse DDOT’s safety measures and propose several additions: a curb bump‑out on the Randolph approach to slow high‑speed turning movements, expanded parking removal on the eastern side to address truck parking and sight‑line problems, and an additional refuge island at Russell to aid G8 bus riders and pedestrians at a difficult crossing.
Residents who live along Eastern Avenue and near 20 Eighth Street told the council they strongly support the proposed changes, highlighted the safety problems caused by parked trucks and damaged crosswalk signage, and said they will submit supporting comments. The council agreed to draft a sample comment letter and post it on the city website so neighbors may submit consistent messages to DDOT.
