Relief for drivers on problematic section of Washington D.C.'s 295: Here's what we discovered

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is currently studying ways to improve the connection between Interstate 295 (I-295) and Pennsylvania Avenue, as well as addressing the congestion in the area.

The search results do not provide information about the timing of the study, but it is known that DDOT's primary focus is to connect the many neighborhoods that line 295, aiming to improve safety, mobility, and access through investments in public transit, biking, and walking.

Drivers on I-295 North who don't want to exit on Pennsylvania Ave. are forced to merge left into often congested two lanes of traffic. This merging point, where I-295 North and traffic from I-695 come together, reduces from four lanes to two over a short distance.

The connection from 695 to 295 North, which was opened in 2012 with a new bridge, solved one problem but created a new one as that part of 295 became one of the most reliably congested major roads in the DC area. At times, the road creates a major barrier between the neighborhoods that line 295.

It's unclear when construction on improvements could begin, and DDOT has yet to decide exactly what the improvements should be. However, the study is focused on identifying solutions that improve safety and efficiency, with a particular focus on interchange improvements near Pennsylvania Avenue.

DDOT is also focusing on improving public transit, walking, and biking as a way to address transportation problems in the 295 corridor. Nationwide research shows that expanding highways does not reduce congestion long-term because it encourages more driving.

In a positive note, new data shows traffic fatalities in DC are at a 12-year low, down 57% compared to this time last year, with serious injuries also down 8%.

While the construction on Columbia Pike is reported to be hurting businesses, the benefits of improving the I-295 and Pennsylvania Avenue interchange could potentially outweigh the temporary inconveniences. The annual day known as "Terrible Traffic Tuesday" could become less dreaded for commuters in the DC area.

Stay tuned for more updates on DDOT's plans to improve the I-295 and Pennsylvania Avenue interchange and the 295 corridor as a whole.

Relief for drivers on problematic section of Washington D.C.'s 295: Here's what we discovered