Background
Connecticut Avenue is one of the District’s major thoroughfares and commuter routes, carrying vehicles in and out of NW District neighborhoods and Maryland. This part of the District also has a strong business community that is interested in developing a safe, pedestrian-friendly corridor that will continue to spur economic development. As part of the streetscape redevelopment, DDOT is working to further develop the appeal of this section of Connecticut Avenue for all users–drivers, walkers, bikers, tourists, and metro-users.
DDOT aims to provide a new, multi-modal streetscape along Connecticut Avenue, starting on the north side of Dupont Circle and continuing north to California Street NW that will help enhance mobility, safety and repurpose unused existing spaces through innovative design solutions.
New street design will include:
- Bicycle and pedestrian amenities.
- Pedestrian-friendly traffic.
- Green infrastructure elements.
- Deck-over plaza over the Connecticut Avenue underpass.
Additional streetscape improvements along Connecticut Avenue NW will enhance pedestrian, bicycle, transit and vehicular traffic along the corridor by rebuilding curbs, gutters, sidewalks and pedestrian ramps, and provide intersection improvements to enhance operations and safety for all roadway users.
Improvements may also include curb bulb-outs and pedestrian refuge islands; improved drainage structures; and new streetlights, traffic signals, and crosswalks. The project will include new green infrastructure elements, as well as street furniture, trees and landscaping to provide a more sustainable streetscape environment.
Deck Over
As a part of this project, DDOT has designed a plaza over the Connecticut Avenue underpass to create a new, multi-use public space between Dupont Circle and Q Street NW.
The new public space will allow visitors to enjoy everyday activities like eating lunch, reading the paper, or playing with your kids. The deck-over space can also be utilized for special events such as a farmer’s market, outdoor movies, music, plays, and cultural events. The plaza will continue to allow vehicles on Connecticut Avenue NW under the circle and connect the east and west sides of Connecticut Avenue NW through a pedestrian-only crossing.
This work ties into DDOT’s recent streetscape improvements just south of Dupont Circle by connecting the north-south pedestrian and bicycle corridor along Connecticut Avenue NW.
Study Area
The study area includes Connecticut Avenue NW from Dupont Circle north to California Street NW, passing through Ward 1 and Ward 2. Improvements will extend a half block East/West on all through-streets.
Dupont Circle is located primarily in Ward 2, with sections of the project area touching Ward 1. On the Metro red line, Dupont Circle is also a prominent connection to other neighborhoods like West End, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Woodley Park, Logan Circle and Farragut North. 
Goals
As part of DDOT’s mission, this project will:
- Enhance the quality of life for residents in the area
- Sustain the surrounding environment
- Increase safety through planning and engineering solutions in line with DC’s Vision Zero plan.
Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck-Over Project 