South Dakota is one of the most dangerous arterial corridors in Ward 5. Out-of-state commuters speed and drive aggressively through our neighborhood community. DDOT is studying a corridor safety project for South Dakota Ave NE between Bladensburg and Riggs Road NE. Thanks to Councilmember Zachary Parker who secured earmarked funds in the FY24 budget, DDOT has begun analysis of a “road diet” along the corridor.

Commissioner Edward Borrego of 5B01 has complied this very useful explainer on the South Dakota Project.

Data shows that “road diets” result in an average total crash reduction of 20-50% for all transportation modes. The goals of this project are to:

• Reduce speeds

• Improve safety for people walking, using transit, bicycling and driving.

• Address safety and crash patterns at complicated intersections

• Remove or enhance safety of uncontrolled turns at high-crash locations

• Enhance crosswalk safety

• Improve bus service and access to bus stops

View DDOT’s presentation about the project