The D.C. Recreational Trails Program Committee and the Bicycle Advisory Committee's Facilities subcommittee meet together every other month. [Notes from the October meeting]
Met Branch - was delayed by a clerical error and so the contract wasn't out yet. This pushes work out well into the spring. Phase II of the Arts Garden near 8th Street NE is starting up. Included in this will be more signage.
Capital Crescent Trail - It'll cost $350k for design and construction to repair the CCT in the Palisades neighborhood. DDOT is paying for it instead of the Parks Service. DDOT already has a contract out for some road work in the neighborhood and hopes to add this project to that contract to speed it up. If things go well it could be done before Spring 2008. At the Georgetown end of the CCT, DDOT will eventually be moving its facility under the Key Bridge to make more room for the park and trail. They also plan to build an emergency turnout if the boathouse is built.
Rock Creek Trail Rehab - DDOT held a walk through and comment session recently. They want to widen the trail beyond 8 feet - to 10 feet at least where possible. NPS feels that 10 feet will take away the park-like atmosphere (but the road doesn't?). The Zoo would like to keep the trail as far away as possible (since they dislike the added liability). Residents near Rose Park are concerned that if that trail is rehabbed, cyclists will bike too fast, endangering children. They'd like to see the trail detoured onto O Street, 27th and Olive.
Bridge Maintenance - DDOT has a contractor responsible for keeping bridge side paths swept and cleaned as well as trees trimmed. They're working on a regular maintenance schedule to keep them in good order.
New Projects - DDOT is looking at building a 700 foot long trail that will connect Belmont Road NW from Connecticut Avenue to Kalorama Circle on the east side of Rock Creek. NPS is looking into building a so-called "Tuxedo Trail" from the new Swedish Embassy to the Kennedy Center - in the hopes that people who eat dinner on the Georgetown Waterfront will be encouraged to walk to the Kennedy Center. This could improve biking in the area as well.
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