Washington D.C. has major infrastructure plans for the roads and highways in the coming years.
On Thursday, Mayor Muriel Bowser put out a press release on how D.C. plans on spending the funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The proposals include redesigning major roadways, improving pedestrian safety and getting more people connected to the internet.
It also proposes moving Interstate 295 underground.
I-295 is one of D.C.'s busiest corridors, but the highway divides neighborhoods.
Bowser said she's considering using some of the $3.3 billion in IIJA funds to put all or part of I-295 underground.
Another part of Bowser's plan includes transforming the Anacostia Waterfront with a new recreation center and boat house.
"Preparing the District for a more innovative future by expanding broadband in wards 5, 7 and 8. Building on our job training programs at D.C. Infrastructure Academy to include more green job training," Bowser said.
She also recommended North Capitol Street be redesigned from Union Station to Michigan Avenue.
"This is a big one: Transforming the North Capitol Street corridor into an urban boulevard that is safer and more inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists," Bowser said.
Pedestrian safety is another large part of the infrastructure plan, and nearly 30 "high-injury" areas known would get safety improvements, as well as more police enforcement.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will conduct a two-year study and take public comments on the I-295 project. If approved, it would take until 2040 to complete.
The transformation of North Capitol Street would be completed in 2030.
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Source: DDOT
