Improving Crosstown Mobility
The closure of portions of E Street and Pennsylvania Avenue to protect the White House disrupted east-west travel in the capital.
The White House Area Transportation Study (WHATS) explored ways to improve traffic flow by restoring the street grid, improving transit services, or improving traffic operations.
The study broke new ground as one of the first applications of TRANSIMS, a traffic modeling tool recently developed through FHWA.
WHATS Information Presentation [PDF 6.5 MB]
October 2010
WHATS Final Report [PDF 4 MB]
June 2011
WHATS Technical Appendix [PDF 4 MB]
June 2011
Creating Choices
The Circulator bus provides direct links between important cultural, entertainment, and business destinations in the District. NCPC recommended this type of system in its 1997 Legacy Plan. Today, Circulator improves mobility and reduces traffic congestion.
The Monumental Core Framework Plan envisions a future with even more ways to get around the city. Ideas include:
- A water taxi to connect the up-and-coming Anacostia waterfront with destinations like Georgetown and the Kennedy Center
- A new Metro stop in East Potomac Park to make this recreation space a more central part of city life
- Additional bike lanes to provide a cleaner and more convenient transit option for everyday commutes
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Reducing Car Travel
Federal agencies must prepare a Transportation Management Plan (TMP) that demonstrates an effort to reduce their employees' reliance on single-occupant vehicles.
The TMP Handbook helps agencies meet strict limits on the number of parking spaces at their facilities. It outlines strategies for agencies to increase the use of ridesharing, biking, walking, & mass transit.
By employing best practices in transportation planning, the federal government can help
can minimize the impact of vehicular traffic on local communities and reduce fossil fuel consumption.
NCPC collaborated with the General Services Administration and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to produce the handbook.
Increasing Rail Efficiency
Each year over 22 million tons of freight move through the capital’s monumental core on obsolete rail lines. This outdated infrastructure creates a bottleneck hampering freight and passenger rail operations along the entire east coast.
Channeling freight rail traffic out of the city’s center will improve the reliability of both freight and passenger service, and it will reduce truck travel on the region’s roadways.
The Freight Railroad Realignment Feasibility Study provides an in-depth examination of the costs and benefits associated with several alternative routes.
Related Publications
Comprehensive Plan: Transportation Element
Extending the Legacy
Monumental Core Framework Plan
New Way for K Street
NY/FLA Ave Charrette
DC Tour Bus Management |
