City Reverses Decision and Halts Crosswalk Removal at 8th and D Streets, SE
by Larry Janezich
Posted April 9, 2021.
ANC6B05 Commissioner Steve Holtzman announced late Friday afternoon that DGS has agreed to reverse themselves, replace the crosswalk removed earlier today and add the ADA compliant curb cut on the western side of 8th Street.
Holtzman said he received assurances from Councilmember Charles Allen, the DGS Project Manager, the DDOT Ward 6 Community Liaison that they will be replacing the crosswalk and ramps. Holtzman applauded the decision and cited the roughly 130 separate complaints to city officials which the removal generated.
It is uncertain how soon the crosswalks will be restored but Holtzman hoped this would be clarified later in further communications with DGS and DDOT. Also, Holtzman said, “In the short term, the crosswalk needs to be put back with added safety/visibility enhancements. Let’s be clear. The (previously) existing crosswalk when it is put back is still, without added enhancements, as dicey for pedestrians as it has always been. Putting it back (and adding the curb cut on the Western side) is still essential. It is still the best and most appropriate path for pedestrians at this juncture. However, its visibility needs to be enhanced. I’ve discussed this with DGS this morning and they agree that they will look at this and see what can be done.”
Most importantly, he said, “There still needs to be a comprehensive multi-modal traffic safety assessment undertaken for this space – we need to find better solutions to how pedestrians (with special reference to children and residents with mobility issues), cyclists, buses, trucks and cars cohabit this nexus.”
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 