Norton Says February 24 Start Date and Plan for I-395/3rd Street Tunnel Project Shows New Start

Statement

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released the following statement following the District of Columbia Department of Transportation's (DDOT) announcement of the initial phase of work that will prepare the I-395 highway for the future construction of the extended Third Street Tunnel:

"When I first learned of the possible closure of I-395, I asked DDOT and the Federal Highway Administration to engage in the necessary review and coordination and alerted the regional congressional delegation that the matter was under control. Mayor Bowser, new to her office, also wisely directed DDOT to take a more measured approach with advanced notice to all concerned. Also, I have met with Leif A. Dormsjo, the new DDOT Director. This notice regarding the Phase One traffic advisories is a good start.

"The Capitol Crossing is as important as it is unusual. It will bring dividends to District of Columbia residents and revenue to D.C. It is one of the largest and most complicated projects ever undertaken in the District because it involves a major interstate highway, implicating the heart of the city, and much of the project is unprecedented. With the careful consultation now in place, I have every reason to believe that, notwithstanding some necessary inconvenience, residents of the city and the region will find Capitol Crossing an asset to our region."

The Phase 1 work is scheduled to start on Tuesday, February 24 and last until August. DDOT announced that the initial work will have no significant impact on traffic during daytime hours. Minor traffic impacts, which will be primarily overnight, will occur to accommodate this enabling work.

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