Part of I-395 in D.C. could close permanently

WASHINGTON -- A section of Interstate 395 between New York Avenue, NW, and Massachusetts Avenue, NW, could be closed to traffic permanently, WTOP has learned.

DDOT Director Emeka Moneme asks for the study in a letter to Phil Mendelson, who chairs the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board.

The transportation planning board, part of the Metropolitan Council of Governments, plays a role in deciding policy and providing technical resources on regional transportation issues that the federal government must OK for the region to receive federal transportation funds.

The letter obtained by WTOP reads:

"Based on a Transportation Planning Board finding that a high proportion of New York Avenue traffic has neither an origin nor a destination within the District, DDOT has requested the option of closing a section of I-395 between its current northern terminus at New York Avenue and its interchange with Massachusetts Avenue."

I-395 is a major link to traffic entering and leaving the District on New York Avenue. The idea behind the study is to determine just how much "through traffic" there is in that area and how much "local traffic" there is.

The study is being completed as part of the overall Environmental Impact Statement for the 14th Street Bridge Corridor in the District.

"DDOT is concerned that improving the 14th Street Bridge will further increase through traffic in the city," Ron Kirby, director of transportation for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, tells WTOP.

"If there is relatively little through traffic along that stretch (of I-395), then the concern that DDOT has about closing the road is moot. If on the other hand, we were to show a very high percentage of traffic is coming through, then we will look at the closure."

Karyn LeBlanc, spokesperson for DDOT, says the road isn't closing down just yet.

"DDOT often takes an opportunity during various EIS studies to look at a variety of possible options and ideas that may or may not impact traffic throughout the region," says LeBlanc.

"The purpose of this study is to investigate and recommend ways to reduce congestion, improve traffic operations and enhance safety in the corridor."

The I-395 study should be completed in two or three months, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

"We are going to be looking at (the closure) as an option," says Kirby. "But if you were to close that off, it would have a very significant impact."

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