Commuter Alert: Sherman Avenue now one lane

Sherman Avenue is getting a makeover. Starting Jan. 10, the thoroughfare near Columbia Heights and the U Street corridor has been reduced to one lane in both directions between Barry Place and Fairmont Street.

When the project is done there will be one lane of traffic in each direction, said John Lisle, a spokesman for the District Department of Transportation. There will also be a shared lane for cycles.

"One of the goals of the project is to return that street from being just a commuter route to being more of a neighborhood street. One of the issues that we're addressing is safety for pedestrians," said Lisle.

A design for the completed Sherman Avenue project, which is slated to be completed in July 2012.

"We're going to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street. There will be more intersections and crosswalks and a planted median. In the end, there will be a lot of landscaping in association with it," he added.

The first of three phases includes the electrical utility installation at Barry Place, which will continue north on Sherman Avenue. The water main will also be installed on Sherman Avenue north of Euclid Street.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act partially funds the $13 million effort, which is projected to be complete July 8, 2012. The agency will also reconstruct the roadway, upgrade the water pipes and improve the drainage system.

The project was first presented to members of the surrounding community May 2009, and Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) led a public meeting to reveal some of the design plans and give residents an opportunity to offer feedback. The final design plans were presented to the public during an informational meeting April of last year.

Other modifications will include reconstruction of wheelchair ramps in compliance with ADA regulations, new traffic signals and streetlights for pedestrian safety, widening of sidewalks and new granite curbs and gutters where needed.

For updates, details about plans and information about detours, visit the project's site.
The first phase of construction on Sherman Avenue began January 10.