D.C. Studies Changes to Improve Pedestrian Safety

Washington, D.C.transportation officials are studying changes along key commuting routes as they try to improve pedestrian safety in Washington.

The city’s new pedestrian plan would end the reversible middle lane on 16th Street in northwest D.C. — through pedestrian-heavy Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights. The street is important to commuters from Montgomery County.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s administration is evaluating a plan to close the section of the Interstate 395 tunnel connecting with New York Avenue. The tunnel is popular with suburban commuters.

The city is also looking into expanding the use of speed cameras and increasing parking fees and enforcement.

D.C. Department of Transportation Director Emeka Moneme says the city wants to encourage transit use, biking and walking.

AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John Townsend says adopting such plans would set D.C down the path of becoming “the most anti-car city in the country.”

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Information from: The Washington Post