July 17, 2020

More Car Free Lanes are Coming to DC

by Korrea Johnston

As part of the District’s response to the public health crisis, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will expand its red bus lane pilots with the construction of new dedicated bus lanes in three corridors in Wards 2, 6, and 8 starting in August 2020.

Dedicated, car free lanes will allow WMATA and DC Circulator to efficiently operate as DC enters Phase Two of reopening, helping to reduce passenger crowding and maintain safe distancing on buses. Bicyclists can use the car free lanes too, giving more options to non-motorized travelers.

The three lanes will be located on the following streets:

7th Street NW

• Located between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania Ave NW
• Buses, bikes, and trucks ONLY allowed on:
  • 7th Street NW between I Street NW and Indiana Ave NW
  • G Street NW between 8th Street NW and 7th Street NW
• Operates 24 hours a day
• Right turning vehicles permitted to access garages north of I Street NW and to access Indiana Avenue NW eastbound
• Expanding sidewalks for “streateries” and safe distancing into the parking lane
• Creates loading and pick-up/drop-off zones on side streets

Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE

• Located between W Street SE and St. Elizabeth’s East Campus
• Buses and bikes ONLY allowed in lane
• Operates in peak direction during morning and evening rush hours
  • Northbound curb lane: 7am to 9:30am
  • Southbound curb lane: 4pm to 6:30pm
• No parking will be removed

M Street SE

• Located between Half Street SE and 10 Street SE
• Buses and bikes ONLY allowed in lane
• Operates during peak hours
  • Morning rush hour: 7am to 9:30am
  • Evening rush hour: 4pm to 6:30pm
• No parking will be removed

While the District continues to gradually reopen, the 2.6 miles total of car free lanes will allow more people to ride buses and bikes without having to compete with drivers. And ultimately, the project will help DC residents safely and efficiently travel everywhere they live, work, and play. For more information about the project, visit DDOT’s Car Free Lanes for Buses and Bikes page.