D.C. Adopts New Standards for Walkways at Construction Sites

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty has announced new safety standards to protect pedestrians walking by construction sites.

Fenty says the changes end “the era when sidewalks were blocked for months on end.” The new policy requires that construction sites preserve existing walkways as closely as possible. The walkways must either be covered or protected.

Developers are required to submit traffic control plans to the city
Transportation Department and receive city permission to temporarily use public space as part of a construction site.

The standards were developed after a study of those used in other cities.

Information from: The Washington Post