Final Phase of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave, SE Bus Priority Project Has Begun
“The final phase of the Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE Bus Priority project will be under construction near the intersection with Howard Rd SE and the Anacostia Metro Station from July 2025 until March 2026. More information is available in the press release.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has made steady improvements to bus infrastructure on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. Bus lanes were first installed as a pilot program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020 to relieve crowding on buses and at bus stops. In January 2021, DDOT initiated the MLK Jr. Avenue SE bus priority project to develop further improvements on the pilot. MLK Jr Ave SE is also part of the Vision Zero High Injury Network, so this planning project is also focused on improving safety in addition to bus speeds and reliability.
In 2022 and 2023, DDOT implemented most of the improvements recommended in the plan: an extension of the bus lanes to Marion Barry Ave SE, transit signal priority, bus stop rebalancing, and construction of curb extensions. The final item is to improve access to the Anacostia Metro station (see animation at right). Details of the recommended alternative and associated public engagement efforts can be found in the concept selection letter.”