About This Project

Description From: District Department of Transportation Website
http://www.ddot.dc.gov/ddot/cwp/view,a,1249,q,637927,ddotNav_GID,1754,ddotNav,%7C34241%7C.asp

Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE, is a 1.5 mile long minor arterial and multi-modal corridor that accommodates regional commuters, transit riders, local auto travel, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Nannie Helen Burroughs runs roughly parallel to Watts Branch, the largest tributary to the Anacostia River within the District with a drainage area of 3.75 Square miles.

Because of its context in this critical watershed, DDOT plans to redesign the Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue Corridor as a model of innovative, environmentally-progressive practices, in order to improve the local environment and quality of life. Proposed improvements include additional street trees, rain gardens, permeable pavement, a “road diet” reduction of impervious asphalt, bioretention cells, multi-chamber catch basins and other Stormwater / Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Ongoing maintenance of these innovative BMPs can pose unique challenges. DDOT is fortunate in that the Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue corridor is home to Washington Parks & People - a highly organized and committed grassroots organization that was the major catalyst behind restoration of Marvin Gaye Park in the Watts Branch watershed. In addition, D.C. Green Works and Earth Conversation Corps are organizations that train local youth and young adults in green technologies installation and maintenance. By partnering with these two organizations and other local groups, DDOT will develop a sustainable maintenance and monitoring plan.

By greening Nannie Helen Burroughs, DDOT aims to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff, urban heat island effect, and energy consumption, while enhancing stormwater quality, restoring urban habitats, catalyzing economic development, and improving the quality of life of local residents.