(Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation is kicking off a series of comprehensive studies that will take into account recommendations from previous studies and meld them with ongoing efforts detailed in DDOT’s Action Agenda 2010. The studies support not only DDOT’s desire to create more “livable” spaces for residents but also US DOT’s recent Livability Initiative which includes goals to provide more transportation choices, provide more sustainable alternatives, safer streets, and improve quality of life for citizens.

DDOT will initially launch 3 Livability studies evaluating 3 multi-neighborhood areas – one in Far Southeast, one in Far Northeast, and one in Rock Creek West.

Each study will include multiple public meetings in an effort to engage residents in useful discussions about issues in their communities. The first set of meetings are scheduled as follows:

A website is available that links to each study, provides information on the public outreach component, highlights discussions and recommendations, and allows for further interaction from the community. All three studies and future information on the larger Livability Program may be found at ddot.dc.gov. Click on the “Livability Program” icon at the top of the page.

Livability — Not Just a Buzz Word

Livability is a term that refers to community quality of life as experienced by the people who live, work, and recreate there.

Livability recognizes that strong communities rely on the interplay among key development areas including transportation, public health, housing, cultural resources, and the natural environment.

Transportation, in particular, is central to livability. Travel choices govern our ability to get around; the operations of our transportation facilities impact safety and comfort; and the designs of our public spaces directly affect the prosperity and enjoyment of the city.

The DDOT Livability Studies will take a “big picture” look at our street network and identify concrete actions that adhere to the following principles outlined in the DDOT Action Agenda:

1. Ensure safe passages for all users of the street network. This involves special attention to the most vulnerable users of the system (pedestrians, bicyclists, children, and the elderly); and taming traffic while maintaining overall mobility.
2. Prioritize sustainable living in DC communities. This means providing a robust set of transportation choices and designing streets to encourage physical activity. It also means designing streets in ways that help preserve, protect, and/or restore ecological systems.
3. Foster prosperous places by building and operating streets as unique urban places that support retail and employment districts. Enhancing prosperous places also may entail the expansion of civic open spaces within and along roadways.

Livability sounds like a buzzword; but it is a big idea. DDOT is taking up the challenge and making it a goal to translate that idea into actual actions.

Outcomes will be aimed at on the ground changes such as:

• enhanced pedestrian crossings
• more accessible bus stops
• geometric adjustments that support intersection safety
• increased green spaces
• attractive streetscapes
• signage for better driver information
• updates to traffic signal timing
• speed controls in sensitive areas