News

Important Prather’s Alley Update: Impending Conversion to One-Way South Operations 

Friday July 29, 2022

Following years of advocacy and planning with community stakeholders and our District partners, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has informed us of a significant update regarding traffic operations for the 900 block of 4-1/2 Street NW & Prather’s Court NW, known collectively as “Prather’s Alley.” As early as next week, “Prather’s Alley” will be converted to one-way southbound operations to include the following enhancements as noted in the Prather’s Alley Safety Improvements Signing and Pavement Marking Plan:

  • A dedicated 4-5 foot pedestrian travel lane that stretches the entirety of 4-1/2 Street NW from I to K Streets NW.
  • Flexposts and other traffic control devices such as reflective pavement markings that clearly delineate vehicular and non-vehicular travel lanes.
  • New crosswalks at both alley entrances as well as the intersection of 4-1/2 Street NW & Prather’s Court NW.
  • Construction of new wheelchair ramps near the intersection of 4-1/2 Street NW & K Street NW for increased ADA accessibility.
  • Multiple rubber speed bumps within in the alley designed to lower traffic speeds.
  • Signage throughout the alley system including “No Parking,” “One Way,” “Do Not Enter,” and “Speed Bumps Ahead.”

In support of the organized management of this change, DDOT is exploring the possibility of installing portable changeable light-up messaging sign (PCMS) boards for a short period of time the before and after the project’s implementation. MVT CID has also requested the assistance of traffic control officers (TCOs) and flaggers to assist with the safe movement of people and vehicles throughout the alley system during this process.

We thank you for your patience during this transition period and are excited to welcome a more pedestrian-friendly connector point to the neighborhood!

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