Another streetcar route? D.C. planners ponder addition

As Washington, D.C. struggles to plant its first new streetcar line within the district’s northeast quadrant, planners are considering a new 1.8-mile streetcar route along 14^th Street, Northwest, tying the proposal to both a redeveloped Washington Metro bus garage and economic development.

The proposed route would traverse several middle-income communities, including Petworth, 16th Street Heights, Brightwood Park, and Crestwood. The century-old Metro bus garage, which D.C. government planners consider “potentially historic,” spans two blocks between 14th Street and Iowa Avenue.

A solicitation for a contractor to lead a study of the corridor closed June 10. The winner will be announced by the end of July. The contractor will be asked to develop t a vision and strategy for the 14th Street route that enlivens retail, creates greener public spaces, and redevelops key “opportunity sites,” such as the bus garage.

The proposed 14^th Street route currently is not included in the district’s long-range streetcar plan, which envisions eight lines totaling 37 route miles.