Project Overview

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The South Capitol Street Corridor, located in Ward 6 and Ward 8, serves as a vital access point to and from downtown Washington, DC. This corridor has historical significance, dating back to the L'Enfant Plan, and is a symbolic gateway to the city.

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The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), studied the corridor and developed a preferred alternative, through the NEPA process, that enhances the safety, multimodal mobility and accessibility of the Corridor. This "Grand Urban Boulevard" concept consists of the following:

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• Reconstruction of South Capitol Street as a six-lane boulevard with shared-use paths and a landscaped median.

• The elimination of the existing grade separation at M Street SW/SE; and

• The removal of hanging ramps to I-395 and converting them to signalized ramp terminal intersections.

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A feasibility study was further initiated in 2022 to access the impacts of recent developments and changes to regional priorities since the original preferred alternative. The study involves a thorough development and assessment of two main alternatives: Alternative A, featuring an at-grade intersection at M Street, and Alternative B, retaining the grade separation at M Street.

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Following a comprehensive analysis, internal coordination, and stakeholder and community consultations, Alternative A emerged as the preferred choice. It offers numerous advantages, including positive equity impacts, improved mobility for all modes of transportation, enhanced safety features for pedestrians and cyclists, positive community outcomes, and alignment with project objectives. It aligns with MoveDC and Vision Zero goals, reflecting DDOT's commitment to progressive urban design and transformative transportation solutions.

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