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Earlier this month, DDOT released its “final” design for the intersection known as Dave Thomas Circle. With construction slated to begin next summer, one longtime advocate for the renovation takes stock of the progress advocates made, explains where we fell short and identifies lessons for future projects.
Rendering of Dave Thomas Circle. image from DDOT project presentation.
Last week the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) released the latest renderings for the redesign project at the intersection of Florida and New York avenues NE, known by many as “Dave Thomas Circle” thanks to an inconveniently placed former Wendy’s.
The area is infamous in DC for its challenging traffic pattern and lack of bike lanes, and has been on many “worst intersections” lists.
The redesign is an attempt to restore two-way traffic on Florida Avenue NE; realign and add two-way traffic to First Street NE; add protected bicycle lanes; and create three new public park spaces, according to DDOT.
DC’s Dave Thomas Circle by airbus777 licensed under Creative Commons.
Those itching to see the progress made on the redesign project at the intersection of Florida and New York avenues NE, known by many as “Dave Thomas Circle” may soon get their chance. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is holding a public meeting Monday, May 17, to discuss the preliminary design proposal for the project.
The intersection is infamous to Washingtonians for its confusing traffic pattern and unfriendly bike/pedestrian landscape. A 2020 life plan study by DC’s Office of Planning found that Dave Thomas Circle was “despised” adding: “People surveyed during field work and online described the FL/NY intersection as a terrible place. People walking, biking, and driving experience the FL/NY intersection as frustrating and dangerous, and many try to avoid travelling through it.”