DRAFT Traffic Calming Recommendations for Hillcrest, rev. 1/16/2003

This document summarizes the findings and recommendations of the Hillcrest Traffic Taskforce. The taskforce met twice during October-December 2002. Twenty-one Hillcrest residents opted to participate on the taskforce, identifying the most dangerous streets and intersections and recommending solutions. We appreciate the assistance of Gloria Bosse-Kouabo of the District Department of Transportation for giving us guidance on traffic calming options.

Send comments to Kathy Chamberlain at kathychamberlain at starpower dot net

1. Intersection of Branch Ave. and Erie St., SE
   There are many accidents at this intersection, most with injury and property damage and a few fatal. The 6-block stretch of Branch Ave. between Southern and Alabama has no safe place for pedestrian crossing.
   Recommendations: This intersection needs a traffic light for both pedestrian crossing over Branch Ave. and for traffic calming. If a traffic lights is not possible, or until a traffic light can be installed, a permanent photo radar setup is needed.
   
   
2. Branch Ave, SE, between Alabama and Southern
   The 5-block stretch of Branch Ave. between Bangor and Southern Ave., both directions, is only wide enough for one car, yet drivers force 2 lanes.
   Recommendation: The street should be marked so that it is clear to drivers how many lanes are present.
   
   
3. Branch Ave., S.E. between Alabama and Pennsylvania
   This is an uninterrupted speedway with no safe pedestrian crossing.
   Recommendation: Photo radar to calm traffic, and at least one marked pedestrian crosswalk, preferably at U Street/Park Drive.
   
   
4. Intersection Branch and Alabama Ave., S.E.
   It's almost impossible to turn east on Alabama from southbound Branch Ave.
   Recommendations: Left turn arrow is needed when heading southbound on Branch Ave to turn left (east) at Alabama Ave.
   
   
5. Intersection o Alabama Ave. and 32nd St., SE
   Many accidents occur on Alabama Ave. near 32nd St. Also, there is no safe place for pedestrians to cross Alabama Ave in the 5-block stretch between 30th St. and Branch Ave.
   Recommendations: Photo radar to calm traffic, flashing yellow warning light at curve, and a marked pedestrian crossing.
   
   
6. Southern Ave. between Branch Ave. and Suitland Rd.
   This "roller coaster" is almost a license to speed. It is particularly dangerous for pedestrians who walk to the Naylor Rd. Metro because there is no sidewalk.
   Recommendation: permanent photo radar camera
   
   
7. Suitland Rd. between Southern Ave. and Alabama Ave, SE
   Northbound (inbound) traffic on Suitland Rd. gains top speed while approaching the traffic light at Alabama Ave. A day care center (St. Timothy's) is located just south of the traffic light. At least one parent and child pedestrian were hit by a car in 2002.
   Recommendations: A flashing light near this day care center. Additional 25 MPH signs and speed enforcement. The striping on Suitland Rd. between 36th and 38th need adjustment so as to be in the middle of the street that is available to traffic, since parking is allowed on one side but not on the other.
   
   
8. 31 St, SE between Park Drive and Alabama Ave, SE
   This stretch is an uninterrupted speedway for both motorcycles and cars.
   Recommendation: A stop sign at V or W St., or a speed bump at any feasible place to interrupt the speeding.
   
   
9. Erie St, SE, 3300 block (between Branch and Southern)
   This block was recently made one-way eastbound at the request of residents. To prevent entry by westbound traffic, concrete barriers were placed at the intersection of Southern Ave. and Erie St. These barriers contribute to a visibility problem when exiting Erie Street onto Southern Ave. The entrance to this block (right turn) from northbound Branch Ave. is awkward because of the angle, and contributes to accidents at the intersection of Branch and Erie. Speeding along the 3300 block of Erie St. has become commonplace.
   Recommendations: Speed bump to inhibit speeding, larger and additional ONE WAY signs, and "wrong way" signs facing traffic going in the wrong direction on Erie. The entrance and exit to this block both need to be studied to determine how to solve the problems described above.
   
   
10. 3000-3200 blocks Erie Street (Erie St., from Branch Ave to 30th)
    Speeding along this stretch is common. In addition Metro buses travel along this route to the Naylor Road Metro Station. With Winston Elementary School at Erie St and 31st Street, it is very unsafe for children walking to Winston, metro bus passengers, walkers and residents of the neighborhood.
    Recommendations: Sidewalk in 3100-3200 block Erie St. , at least one speed bump, marked crosswalks, and more visible warnings to motorists that a school zone is present.
    
    
11. Bangor St., between Branch Ave and Suitland Rd
    Speeding is common.
    Recommendation: speed bump
    
    
12. 2800 block Ft. Baker Drive
    The northbound downhill side of this block invites speeding because of its steep incline. Resident at the bottom of the hill has experienced property damage when drivers do not stop in time. Stop signs at the bottom of the hill are regularly ignored.
    Recommendation: Larger more visible STOP sign, speed bump.
    
    
13. 2800-2900 block Hillcrest Dr., SE
    The northbound (downhill) side of this block invites speeding because of its steep incline. Additionally, there is no indication as to where the lanes are, and the road is winding with blind curves.
    Recommendations: Additional and clear 25 MPH signs, painted solid line in center of road to indicate where lanes are, removal of "one lane" sign that (we think) was left over from when the street was under construction, and speed bump if possible
    
    
14. Intersection Texas Ave & 27th St.
    This intersection is very dangerous because traffic moving north (one-way downhill) on 27th goes very fast on a curvy road through the woods. Southbound traffic doesn't see them until the last minute.
    Recommendation: Stop sign at this intersection for traffic going south on 27th.
    
    
15. 30th St. between Alabama and Naylor Rd.
    This is a winding sloped street, especially from Alabama Avenue to Erie Street. Passing should not be permitted, speeding is commonplace.
    Recommendation: Paint a solid line to mark the lanes and indicate no passing.