Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the start date of this project?
The official Notice-to-Proceed was issued on November 12, 2009. Actual construction began on November 30, 2009.
2. How long is the project scheduled to last?
240 days (weather permitting).
3. What are the work hours of the project?
Monday through Saturday, 7:00AM - 7:00PM (However, the desire is to keep weekend work to a minimum).
4. Are you removing individual parking meters?
Yes, we will be installing multi-space parking meters.
5. Due to the increase of the parking meter fees, will DDOT waive the parking fees during the time of construction on 17th Street?
This type of request should be directed to the ANC or Council. The parking meter fees is separate from the tasks that involve the streetscape project.
6. Will you be installing bicycle racks?
Yes, a total of 65 bicycle racks will be installed on 17th Street between O Street, NW and New Hampshire Avenue, NW.
7. Some of the restaurants have outdoor tables that are bolted to the cement pavement, who will be responsible for removing the tables during construction?
This will be responsibility of the business owners.
8. Will the business owners be notified prior to the work that will be done on their block?
Yes, the business owners will receive advanced notification.
9. The entrances of some business structures will have to be upgraded in order to be ADA compliant. What does this mean?
ADA is the short title of Americans with Disabilities Act, Title III - Public Accomodations (and Commercial Facilities). Under Title III, no individual may be discrimenated on the basis of disability with regards to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accomodations of any place of public accomodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or to operates a place of accomodation. "Public accomodations" include most places of lodging (such as inns and hotels), recreation, transportation, education, and dining, along with stores, care providers, and places of public displays, among other things.
10. What upgrades will be required of those businesses in order to be ADA compliant?
Many of the business entrances do not have wheelchair access/ramps. In order to be ADA compliant, the upgrades will include installing a wheelchair ramp and railing.
11. What determines the height and length of ramp?
The requirements are based on the height of the step(s) that leads into the business. Therefore it would be: Every inch (step height), per foot (length of ramp). Example: If a building has an eight inch step, the ramp will be eight feet long.
12. How long will it take for the cement to dry after the ramp is installed and will customers be able to enter the building while it dries?
The cement should dry overnight; however, it will take two days to complete the ramp. And yes, customers will still have access into the building. During the ramp installation, the contractor will split the entrance where one side will be built as a ramp and the other side will be open for people to enter into the building. The next day, the contractor will complete the other entrance side.
13. Will the business be charged for the installation of the ramps and railings?
No, the charges will be covered by DDOT.
14. Should 17th Street businesses remove their canvasses and/or awnings from their patios during construction?
Yes, the canvasses and awnings will have to be removed by the business owners.
15. Will the sidewalk upgrades be brick or concrete?
It will be a combination of both.