Construction officially began yesterday at the intersection of Howard Road SE and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, marking the start of a major redevelopment project aimed at enhancing safety, traffic flow, and green space in the area. Scheduled for completion in March 2026, the initiative is a joint effort between the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). A key focus of the project is improving bus travel efficiency to the Anacostia Metro Station bus terminal. According to DDOT, the plan has been in development for more than a decade.
Residents can expect significant changes to come, including the elimination of slip lanes – a setup intended to ease right-turning traffic's movement but often at the cost of pedestrian safety. At present, this configuration forces pedestrians into a multi-phase crossing, but the new design will allow them to traverse in just one signal phase. There will also be an addition of over 4,000 square feet of green space, and planting of nine new trees to the landscape, according to DDOT's announcement. Pedestrian safety is also at the forefront, with the introduction of pedestrian refuges aiding walkers across the thoroughfare.
Further plans include a new southbound left turn lane on MLK Jr Ave SE to Sheridan Rd SE, and the removal of a previously enforced left turn restriction. For bus riders, the changes are aimed at streamlining their commute. The northbound bus lane will migrate to the left lane between Stanton Road SE and Howard Road, this will better position buses for a new northbound left turn directly into the Anacostia Metro Station.
Driving through the construction zone might test commuters' patience, though. Officials from DDOT have stated, "At least one lane of traffic will remain open at all times in the construction zone." However, no detours are planned, drivers can expect longer transit times and perhaps, should look for alternative routes. When it comes to parking, restrictions will be in force between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through construction hours, and "EMERGENCY NO PARKING" signs will preempt any prohibitions 72 hours in advance. Pedestrians aren't left out, as periodic detours will be clearly marked with signage to navigate the altered landscape.
Within this transformation lies innovative technology aimed at enhancing the flow of traffic. New pole-mounted camera systems will detect buses in real-time and adjust traffic signals accordingly. Crucially, DDOT assures, this tech is to optimize traffic flow and safety, not for enforcement purposes.
