Phase 1 Construction and Lane Closures on Pennsylvania Avenue SE from 27th Street to Fairlawn Avenue Beginning June 2026
(WASHINGTON, DC) — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) advises motorists, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians of upcoming construction activity and temporary traffic impacts along Pennsylvania Avenue, SE and Minnesota Avenue, SE beginning Monday, June 16, 2026. Work will occur as part of DDOT’s Pennsylvania and Minnesota Avenue Safety Improvement Project and will require temporary lane closures and periodic traffic pattern adjustments throughout the corridor. The project is part of DDOT’s Great Streets initiative to improve safety, mobility, and connectivity for all roadway users.
Project Overview
DDOT will begin Phase 1 of roadway improvements along Pennsylvania Avenue, SE between 27th Street and Fairlawn Avenue, and along Minnesota Avenue, SE. Initial work will primarily involve the installation of underground utilities and related infrastructure improvements. Construction activities will focus on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE between Fairlawn Avenue and 27th Street, as well as the north and south sides of L’Enfant Square.
The overall project will simplify a complex roadway configuration by combining two intersections into one signalized intersection to improve traffic flow and enhance safety in support of the District’s Vision Zero goals.
Project enhancements include:
- Extended left-turn lanes
- Upgraded traffic signals
- Improved roadway lighting
- A new drainage system
- Roadway resurfacing and reconstruction
- Wider sidewalks and expanded green space
- New streetscape elements, including trees, bike racks, benches, and trash receptacles
Traffic Impacts
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Lane Closures & Work Hours: To minimize disruptions, work that impacts the flow of vehicular traffic will be strictly contained to the hours of 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with crews operating safely behind traffic drums.
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Weekend Work: Periodic weekend work will be scheduled to construct bus pads to maintain access for all traffic movements.
Transit & Pedestrian Impacts
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Pedestrian Access & Work Hours: Work occurring behind temporary pedestrian channelizers will take place between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. During sidewalk reconstruction, pedestrians will be safely and temporarily relocated to the curb lane when needed.
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Bus Stops: Temporary bus stations and safe pedestrian passages will be provided to commuters during installation or relocation of any bus pads.
Traffic safety measures, including signage, channelizing devices, and flagging operations, will be in place throughout the duration of the project to help protect the public and construction personnel.
DDOT encourages all travelers to use caution when traveling through the area, follow posted signage, and allow additional travel time.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Avenue and Minnesota Avenue SE Safety Improvement Project and to stay up to date on construction progress, please visit: pennsylvania-minnesota-safety-improvement-dcgis.hub.arcgis.com.
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