FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts
New Traffic Signal Installations Improve Pedestrian Safety
(Washington, DC)--The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today announced it has activated new traffic signal operations at two locations as part of the Mayor’s Vision Zero Initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries in the District.
Previously unsignalized crosswalks at Ward Circle and the intersections of 7th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE and 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NE have been fully signalized. The new signal operation at Ward Circle was activated on Saturday, February 2, while the new signal operation at 7th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE and 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NE was activated on Saturday, January 26.
The new signals are designed to help pedestrians more safely cross streets by providing full signal control to intersections that previously required vehicles to yield to crossing pedestrians. These measures are intended to remove vehicle-pedestrian conflicts from these crosswalks and increase safety for all road users.
Prior to the new signal operation, only the Nebraska Avenue approaches at Ward Circle were signalized. Now, American University students, visitors, and residents can safely cross at all crosswalks within the circle using dedicated pedestrian phases.
Under the previous signal operation at 7th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE and 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NE, the crosswalks across both Massachusetts Avenue and Constitution Avenue at 7th Street were unsignalized.
During the next several weeks, DDOT will monitor and adjust operations at these new signals based on field observations and community feedback.
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The mission of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is to enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently and safely with minimal adverse impact on residents and the environment.