Improving Wisconsin Avenue Safety: A New Safety Study
In addition to the studies mentioned above, the Alliance also undertook a traffic safety study with Fehr & Peers, a transportation consultant with offices in DC and around the country. The study looked at two high-profile intersections: #1) Wisconsin and Western Avenues and #2) Western Avenue and Military Road NW. Using best practices in traffic calming and pedestrian safety, the team studied various low-impact changes at the intersections in design, traffic signal timing, and narrowing the crossing distances.
The results are great news: Narrowing crossing distances would improve the safety for pedestrians AND shorten the light cycles for vehicles, which would improve traffic flow for cars!
What’s next? The Alliance team has been discussing long-term changes with neighborhood stakeholders and agencies. The proposed changes in this study are meant as a starting point for further conversation and warrant further study. The goal is to start reimagining the possibility of Wisconsin Avenue as a more people-friendly heart of the neighborhood, while respecting its importance as a thoroughfare. Due to our cross-jurisdictional nature, any changes would require coordination from the District Department of Transportation (DC), the Maryland State Highway Administration (MD) and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MD). Since this is just a preliminary study, no changes are immediate; but the Alliance continues to fund this important work to make the neighborhood safer and more livable for residents, employees and visitors. We’d welcome hearing your hopes and concerns around this work. Reach out to us here.