Project Description.

In early 2007 the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) initiated the process of planning and designing a Garfield Park-Canal Park bicycle and pedestrian connection. This project is part of the District’s larger efforts to promote revitalization of the Near Southeast and Anacostia Waterfront, and promote bicycling and walking for transportation.

The purpose of the project is to establish an inviting and fully functional pedestrian and bicycling linkage between Garfield Park and the future Washington Canal Park. Currently, this linkage is not ADA accessible, not passable by bicyclists, and only marginally functional for those traveling on foot. Additionally, the aesthetic conditions of this public space is not inviting to public use. This connection is a vital link in the non-motorized transportation network for Capitol Hill, the Near Southeast, the Anacostia Waterfront and the District overall.

Project Area.

The project area has three distinct but linked sub-areas (see Project Area Map). From south to north, they are as follows:

1. 2nd Street, SE (from I Street SE to Virginia Avenue, SE)--this section is one short city block that includes the street and streetscape between two large private properties. This sub-area also includes one street crossing at I Street to connect with the future Canal Park.
2. The complex intersection of Virginia, H and 2nd Streets, SE and the hardscape open space under the Southeast Freeway bridge and adjacent to Virginia Avenue, SE.
3. Garfield Park from the edge along the freeway to the north edge bounded by F Street, SE and South Carolina Avenue, SE.

For the purposes of planning and conceptual design, the entire area described above shall be considered the project area. However, near-term implementation of a bicycle and pedestrian travel improvement will be confined to a smaller area (see Project Area Map):

• The complex intersection of Virginia, H and 2nd Streets, SE;
• The hardscape open space under the I-295 bridge and adjacent to Virginia Avenue, SE,
• The linkage from the space under the bridge to the intersection of 2nd and F Streets, through Garfield Park.

The project planning and design process is slated to run for about 15 months, May 2007 – July 2008. The lead city agency is the District Department of Transportation Policy and Planning Administration (DDOT TPPA). Partner City agencies include the Office of Planning and the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The project team is led by Toole Design Group, LLC, a firm specializing in bicycle and pedestrian transportation planning and design. Other members of the team include a variety of specialists in public space design, art, culture and urban infrastructure (see Toole Design Group Team below).

Project Schedule.

The project began in May 2007 and is expected to be advertised for construction bids by the fall of 2008. Below is an outline of key tasks and the timeline in which they will be completed.

The planning process will include extensive community involvement through a Project Advisory Committee, a public workshop and a public presentation of the selected design concept. Please visit the “Contact Us” page to share your ideas and concerns or provide feedback by contacting us [link to “Contact Us” page].

Toole Design Group Team.

The Toole Design Group Team includes the following consulting firms:

• Toole Design Group, LLC – Project Management
  
  – Transportation Planning, Engineering and Urban Design
  – Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Specialists
• Brown & Keener, Bressi – Urban Design & Public Art Planning
• Wilbur Smith Associates – Geotechnical and Structural Design
• Robinson Associates – Historical and Cultural Research
• Henry Adams – Lighting Design
• Peck Studios/City Arts – Public Art
• Mercado Consultants -- Survey
• Koncept Media – Website Design