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.

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

Upon the EA’s completion, additional steps must be taken before the project can be implemented. Below are some elements not included in the EA:

Detailed Design and Engineering — The preferred alternative is designed in greater detail following a full survey of physical conditions.
Final Cost Estimate — Beyond the financial analysis in the EA, a full cost estimate is prepared based on completing more-detailed design.
Land uses for potential excess land – If the EA concludes that there is potential to declare some transportation right of way as excess, additional steps, each with their own robust public involvement efforts, would be needed to dispose of this land and to determine appropriate uses for the land.
Funding – Funding sources must be identified and a funding plan created to construct the project.

Overview

NEPA Schedule

Key Project Elements

Process