Date
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Traffic lights at Connecticut and Ordway #dcgov
allen irish
Given that the service lane is in the process of being paved over, it baffles me that the light cycle at Connecticut and Ordway continues to function as if the lane is still being used (long, long after it was clear it was never going to reopen, in fact). This light, which is out of cycle with the ones at Porter and Macomb, screws up traffic for no good reason, and also impedes pedestrians crossing Ordway, who are technically only given a green light when the defunct service lane is green. I know that improving traffic flow is disfavored in the District and especially in Cleveland Park, but there is no reason this intersection could not be improved. Given the non-stop digging up/filling in of Connecticut Avenue for years, it seems the least the government could do would be to address this easily fixed issue. Having said that, I am, as always, pessimistic that it will happen or even be supported by the area residents.
Allen Irish
Cleveland Park
Allen Irish
Cleveland Park
Richard Hoffman
Mr. Irish's point is a very good one. DDOT is so concerned with pushing its deeply faulty scheme which will produce complete traffic gridlock on Connecticut Ave. that it can't bother to make this needed change, which has been obvious to everyone who uses the Connecticut-Ordway intersection ever since the service lane was closed.
Richard Hoffman
28th Street
- original message -
Given that the service lane is in the process of being paved over, it baffles me that the light cycle at Connecticut and Ordway continues to function as if the lane is still being used (long, long after it was clear it was never going to reopen, in fact). This light, which is out of cycle with the ones at Porter and Macomb, screws up traffic for no good reason, and also impedes pedestrians crossing Ordway, who are technically only given a green light when the defunct service lane is green. I know that improving traffic flow is disfavored in the District and especially in Cleveland Park, but there is no reason this intersection could not be improved. Given the non-stop digging up/filling in of Connecticut Avenue for years, it seems the least the government could do would be to address this easily fixed issue. Having said that, I am, as always, pessimistic that it will happen or even be supported by the area residents.
- original message -
Given that the service lane is in the process of being paved over, it baffles me that the light cycle at Connecticut and Ordway continues to function as if the lane is still being used (long, long after it was clear it was never going to reopen, in fact). This light, which is out of cycle with the ones at Porter and Macomb, screws up traffic for no good reason, and also impedes pedestrians crossing Ordway, who are technically only given a green light when the defunct service lane is green. I know that improving traffic flow is disfavored in the District and especially in Cleveland Park, but there is no reason this intersection could not be improved. Given the non-stop digging up/filling in of Connecticut Avenue for years, it seems the least the government could do would be to address this easily fixed issue. Having said that, I am, as always, pessimistic that it will happen or even be supported by the area residents.
Eleanor Oliver
Dear Allen,
Eleanor 🌸 O.
- original message -
Given that the service lane is in the process of being paved over, it baffles me that the light cycle at Connecticut and Ordway continues to function as if the lane is still being used (long, long after it was clear it was never going to reopen, in fact). This light, which is out of cycle with the ones at Porter and Macomb, screws up traffic for no good reason, and also impedes pedestrians crossing Ordway, who are technically only given a green light when the defunct service lane is green. I know that improving traffic flow is disfavored in the District and especially in Cleveland Park, but there is no reason this intersection could not be improved. Given the non-stop digging up/filling in of Connecticut Avenue for years, it seems the least the government could do would be to address this easily fixed issue. Having said that, I am, as always, pessimistic that it will happen or even be supported by the area residents.
I believe the service lane is not being paved over. It will continue to be used by pedestrians, and vehicles and parking -- only the curb is being removed so people will no longer have to step off of it into possible traffic when there are too many people on the sidewalk portion. This means that cars will have to drive more slowly and get used to the idea that they are not the only thing of importance on the service lane.
This slight adjustment was part of the new plan for the entire ares and was discussed and explained at length in meetings with DDoT at the several meetings that I remember attending while we were still in the old Library.
Please, don’t demand more of the City than it is capable of doing at one time. Let's get the service lane repaved first, then ask them to attend to the lights. Sometimes it is difficult of for the folks downtown to walk and chew gum at the same time.
Eleanor 🌸 O.
- original message -
Given that the service lane is in the process of being paved over, it baffles me that the light cycle at Connecticut and Ordway continues to function as if the lane is still being used (long, long after it was clear it was never going to reopen, in fact). This light, which is out of cycle with the ones at Porter and Macomb, screws up traffic for no good reason, and also impedes pedestrians crossing Ordway, who are technically only given a green light when the defunct service lane is green. I know that improving traffic flow is disfavored in the District and especially in Cleveland Park, but there is no reason this intersection could not be improved. Given the non-stop digging up/filling in of Connecticut Avenue for years, it seems the least the government could do would be to address this easily fixed issue. Having said that, I am, as always, pessimistic that it will happen or even be supported by the area residents.
Stephanie Gerard
At the same time, install a left-turn signal at Ordway for northward traffic turning west from Connecticut Ave, which currently is especially dangerous. Ordway is narrow and has cars parked both sides.
For some reason there is no left-turn signal at Porter St for northward vehicles turning west -- even though all-other-direction traffic making turns at that intersection is serviced by a discrete traffic signal. It's a wide intersection with wide entry west onto Porter.
Steph Gerard
Woodley Rd
- original message -
Given that the service lane is in the process of being paved over, it baffles me that the light cycle at Connecticut and Ordway continues to function as if the lane is still being used (long, long after it was clear it was never going to reopen, in fact). This light, which is out of cycle with the ones at Porter and Macomb, screws up traffic for no good reason, and also impedes pedestrians crossing Ordway, who are technically only given a green light when the defunct service lane is green. I know that improving traffic flow is disfavored in the District and especially in Cleveland Park, but there is no reason this intersection could not be improved. Given the non-stop digging up/filling in of Connecticut Avenue for years, it seems the least the government could do would be to address this easily fixed issue. Having said that, I am, as always, pessimistic that it will happen or even be supported by the area residents.
- original message -
Given that the service lane is in the process of being paved over, it baffles me that the light cycle at Connecticut and Ordway continues to function as if the lane is still being used (long, long after it was clear it was never going to reopen, in fact). This light, which is out of cycle with the ones at Porter and Macomb, screws up traffic for no good reason, and also impedes pedestrians crossing Ordway, who are technically only given a green light when the defunct service lane is green. I know that improving traffic flow is disfavored in the District and especially in Cleveland Park, but there is no reason this intersection could not be improved. Given the non-stop digging up/filling in of Connecticut Avenue for years, it seems the least the government could do would be to address this easily fixed issue. Having said that, I am, as always, pessimistic that it will happen or even be supported by the area residents.
Karen Davis
Take a look at how the service lane exit is changing. It will be curved directly onto Connecticut, so how will the Connecticut/Ordway intersection even relate to/work for controlling exits?
And, I wouldn’t call what it looks like they’re doing “paving”. The service lane is being raised and the space turned into one large sidewalk. If I’m understanding/seeing correctly, I just can’t imagine how this could be safe for pedestrians.
Karen Davis
Connecticut Ave
- previous message -
The photo [in message https://groups.io/g/clevelandpark/message/199658 ] provided by DDOT for proposed mixed use of the service lane shows cars parked on the side of the lane. However, the Sababa restaurant now has a "streatery" patio extending across the service lane, which would prevent cars from exiting the lane. The Mayor and DDOT recently have expressed support for continuing streateries as economic assistance for restaurants. Does anyone know more about permits and plans for Sababa? See quote below from Sababa (this quote was made in 2021, but the streatery remains and Sababa 's current website mentions outdoor seating in a front patio..
Proposed Condition: Shared Use Area
• RaisedServiceLane
• PedestrianShareUse
• ADAUpgrades
• WindowShopping
• StoreFrontSeating
• UnderTreeGathering
• UniformGraniteBanding
And, I wouldn’t call what it looks like they’re doing “paving”. The service lane is being raised and the space turned into one large sidewalk. If I’m understanding/seeing correctly, I just can’t imagine how this could be safe for pedestrians.
Karen Davis
Connecticut Ave
- previous message -
The photo [in message https://groups.io/g/clevelandpark/message/199658 ] provided by DDOT for proposed mixed use of the service lane shows cars parked on the side of the lane. However, the Sababa restaurant now has a "streatery" patio extending across the service lane, which would prevent cars from exiting the lane. The Mayor and DDOT recently have expressed support for continuing streateries as economic assistance for restaurants. Does anyone know more about permits and plans for Sababa? See quote below from Sababa (this quote was made in 2021, but the streatery remains and Sababa 's current website mentions outdoor seating in a front patio..
Proposed Condition: Shared Use Area
• RaisedServiceLane
• PedestrianShareUse
• ADAUpgrades
• WindowShopping
• StoreFrontSeating
• UnderTreeGathering
• UniformGraniteBanding
Eleanor Oliver
Dear Karen & everyone,
The service lane as you describe it, curving to enter directly into Connecticut Avenue thus avoiding turning left into Ordway first, then immediately right into Connecticut Avenue and mixing it up with pedestrians who mostly ignored the lights and walked right in front of everything was carefully worked out with DDoT at a number of meetings at the old library. It meant sacrificing still more parking spaces but it was better and safer than negotiating all those lights and dog-legs when exiting the service lane then exiting Ordway. Believe me, folks, you’re gonna like it!
- previous message -
The service lane as you describe it, curving to enter directly into Connecticut Avenue thus avoiding turning left into Ordway first, then immediately right into Connecticut Avenue and mixing it up with pedestrians who mostly ignored the lights and walked right in front of everything was carefully worked out with DDoT at a number of meetings at the old library. It meant sacrificing still more parking spaces but it was better and safer than negotiating all those lights and dog-legs when exiting the service lane then exiting Ordway. Believe me, folks, you’re gonna like it!
The single biggest obstacle to traffic in the service lane and possibly northbound during evening rush hour traffic is the “Streatery.” They was supposed to be a temporary boost for restaurant businesses. Only one restaurant seems to have taken full advantage of it. It may now be time for him to give back the service lane to the community and the other storefronts whose patrons had to negotiate his tables and chairs to do business elsewhere.
The pandemic is winding down. It is time we reclaim our normal activities and our usual spaces. We must expect the restaurants who built huge outdoor terraces and put tents over countless parking spaces, (think Rosemary’s Bistro, I’m Eddy Cano, etc.) to dismantle them and return the sidewalks to foot traffic and take their dining indoors again. The last few times we ate at Rosemary’s, we went indoors and practically had the whole place and the attentions of three waiters to ourselves.
We must stop letting this waning pandemic turn everything on its head all time! Life will be good. We don’t have to eat under heaters on the pavement. How crazy is that? ! We don’t have to eat in drafty tents on the street with busses roaring by. That is just nuts! We can return to our civilized lives of yesteryear.
Please, Cleveland Park, reclaim your service lane, patronize the little shops that will be visible from the street again. They may dazzle you. You may be delighted! Get rid of the crap and the clutter. Take back your streets. Power to the People!
Eleanor 🌸 O.
Eleanor 🌸 O.
- previous message -
Take a look at how the service lane exit is changing. It will be curved directly onto Connecticut, so how will the Connecticut/Ordway intersection even relate to/work for controlling exits?
And, I wouldn’t call what it looks like they’re doing “paving”. The service lane is being raised and the space turned into one large sidewalk. If I’m understanding/seeing correctly, I just can’t imagine how this could be safe for pedestrians.