At Public Meeting, Residents of O and P Streets Express Concern, Brace for 18 Months of Construction

Construction has started on the 3600 block of P Street. The northbound lane is currently closed and the west lane of 36th Street between O and P Streets closes today. Over the next 18 months, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., crews will work to replace leaky and outdated water mains and gas lines, smooth sidewalks and roads, and place streetcar rails back in their original positions.

At a public meeting last night organized by the District Department of Transportation, (DDOT), community members listened to presentations from Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Ed Soloman and Jeff Jones, Project Manager Afis Idowu, and representatives from the Washington Water and Sewer Authority, Washington Gas, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

“We’ll do our best to control the noise,” said Project Manager Afis Idowu. “Right now we’re measuring ambient noise at 70 decibels, and we’re looking into ways to mitigate this like putting up barriers…the noise might have more to do with students coming in and out,” he joked, drawing a laugh from the crowd.

Replacing gas lines may lead to service disruptions

The meeting’s tone became serious as residents listened to supervisor John Barmore of Washington Gas explain plans to upgrade the existing system from low to high-pressure gas lines.

“We’re going to have to dig up and replace existing lines and move meters to the outside of homes,” said Barmore. “We’ll be sending notice in advance, and every house will receive a yellow card with contact numbers prior to any work being done,” he assured.

When asked if there would be disruptions to regular service, Barmore replied that there were none planned beyond the time it takes crews to replace gas lines—but added that because some lines date back to 1927, pipes may be brittle and fall apart. If this happens, he said the company considers it an emergency situation and shuts everything off.

Property surveys encouraged for residents concerned with damage

Insurance coverage for damage to property such as cracks in walls or foundations caused by vibrations from construction was another concern residents raised.

DDOT officials and ANC Comissioners recommended that concerned residents get interior and exterior surveys with photo and video documentation of their properties prior to construction. To find surveyors, he recommended checking the project website, or calling the project management office during business hours. 

Residents have option to replace lead water pipes

The WASA representative informed residents that water mains would be replaced up to property lines,.

“For residents who want total replacement, which we encourage because WASA doesn’t want partial lead service, we’ve spoken with another contractor, who can be hired for reasonable rates.”

The WASA representative also recommended that residents move any sensitive plants or valuable artwork in their yards, as they may be accidentally damaged when working crews dig up lines.

Neighborhood trees may be in danger

Arborist Carlson Klapthor highlighted potential dangers to surrounding trees and encouraged residents to call if they saw trees not being properly cared for.

“There are about 230 trees in the area…and there will be times when conflict is unavoidable and the trees have to go,” said Klapthor. “We’re going to do our best to care for them, but safety trumps trees.”

Klapthor also highlighted the benefits of construction for trees, mentioning that the project is a great opportunity to replace diseased and damaged trees with healthy new ones. He also pointed out that the tree boxes will be larger, which will give them more space to grow.

Excellent organization gives residents options to track progress

Despite these issues, the meeting showed excellent organization for such a complex project involving a number of separate agencies. Presentations showed a clear effort on the part of ANC Commissioners Jones and Solomon and by individual agencies to make the process as smooth as possible and take residents concerns into account.

Residents can avoid traffic by planning ahead and checking the project website to get updated reports of current lane closures and work areas. Updated weekly, this site will keep residents informed of the project and any schedule changes as work progresses. Updates can also be delivered via e-mail or RSS feeds.The site also provides additional facts and background information about the project.

Residents who want to become more involved, or who have additional questions and concerns can call the project office during business hours or attend monthly meetings, which will be held to evaluate progress and address issues as they arise.