The District Dept. of Transportation (DDOT) is inviting Ward 8 input on bicycling, safety concerns, network gaps, and project ideas for inclusion in their Strategic Bikeways Plan (SBP). “The Bike Lane Program plans to build an additional 50 miles of bicycle lanes across the District over the next 5 years.” Let’s make sure key Ward 8 needs are included!
We hope this working list of Ward 8 projects and needs is helpful. Please raise them at the November 17 Ward 8 public workshop and in response to DDOT surveys.
Please ask DDOT about, and express your support for DDOT completion of projects that are in the works, and let’s explore new opportunities. Do you see needs and potential, for instance, on Mississippi Ave SE, Alabama Ave SE (link to a 2017 Alabama Avenue SE Corridor Safety Improvement Project), MLK Ave SE (which has a bus priority project along a segment)? Where else?
Projects in Planning
Suitland Parkway Trail Rehabilitation, from Southern Avenue SE to Pomeroy Road SE. The Suitland Parkway Trail is a 1.7 mile pedestrian and bicycle paved trail between Southern Avenue and Pomeroy Road SE that is currently in poor condition. DDOT is currently conducting a feasibility study and conceptual engineering with plans for a full design process, but there is no schedule for construction at this time.
Mississippi Avenue / Oxon Run Connector Trail, a 0.6-mile shared-use path that will connect the existing trail network in Oxon Run Park with THEARC.
Worth taking a (re)look: Southern Avenue SE: Phase l Roadway and Safety Improvement, from South Capitol St SE to Barnaby Road SE Intersections and the ANC 8C Safety & Mobility Study.
Projects in Design
The South Capitol Street Trail Project will extend the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, stretching 3.8 miles from the South Capitol Street and Firth Sterling Avenue SE intersection, south along South Capitol Street/Overlook Avenue to Laboratory Road, east under the I¬295 overpass to Shepherd Parkway, and terminating at the Oxon Hill Farm Trail along DC Village Lane.
The Shepherd Branch Trail is a proposed 3-mile-long, shared-use path that will extend from the intersection of Firth Sterling Road SE and South Capitol Street SE to E Street SE. The trail would connect the South Capitol Street Trail (currently in the design phase) to the Greenway neighborhood in Anacostia. The next stage for this project is for DDOT to acquire the land from CSX. The Wheeler Road Safety Project, improves safety and provides access to several schools, trails, rec facilities, businesses, and residences. The project includes a multi-use path on the east side of Wheeler Road south of Valley Avenue.
Header photo: A WABA-Ward 8 Bike Alliance “Tour de Ward 8” community ride in July, 2025.