Overview

Since the boulevard was originally the Southeast Freeway portion of the Interstate Highway System, DDOT and FHWA are required to conduct studies under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to understand the environmental impacts of any changes proposed to Southeast Boulevard.

In addition, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires evaluating a change’s potential effects on cultural resources. This project is legally designated as the Southeast Boulevard and Barney Circle NEPA, Section 106, and Section 4(f) Evaluation Project. 

NEPA Schedule

Graphic of the Southeast Boulevard Environmental Assessment schedule.
Click to enlarge schedule

Key Project Elements

  • Southeast Boulevard reconfigured to the same elevation as L Street SE
  • Boulevard features such as sidewalks, bicycle facilities, street trees, on-street parking, and green infrastructure
  • Potential excess transportation right-of-way for future disposal and alternative land use
  • Neighborhood-serving street extensions of 13th, 14th, and 15th Streets SE connecting Southeast Boulevard
  • Pedestrian and bicycle links to the waterfront
  • Barney Circle configuration
  • Underground bus transit support facility with bus access via 11th Street SE and/or Barney Circle

Process

This EA is a critical step toward gaining approvals and community consensus needed to continue advancing the project. The EA key elements include: