A stretch of 16th Street NW in downtown D.C. closes to weekday traffic starting Monday, Oct. 19, for a median landscaping project. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) said the work will last through Dec. 31 and split into two phases, each shutting down a different block of the corridor.

Phase 1: Oct. 19 through Nov. 25

The first closure covers 16th Street NW between I and K streets NW. The road will be closed to all traffic on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Detours will route drivers onto westbound I Street NW, 17th Street NW and eastbound K Street NW.

Phase 2: Nov. 25 through Dec. 31

The closure shifts one block south starting Nov. 25. DDOT will close 16th Street NW between H and I streets NW under the same weekday schedule through Dec. 31.

Detours during that phase will run along eastbound H Street NW, Vermont Avenue NW and westbound I Street NW.

Project scope

DDOT said the 16th Street Landscaped Medians Project will add plantings to the roadway median, remove impervious surface and upgrade crosswalks along the corridor between H and K streets NW. All detour routes will maintain ADA accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Outside the closure windows, crews will work behind barriers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays during both phases.

DDOT said traffic controls and signage will be in place to guide people through the work zones. The agency advised all roadway users to stay alert and watch for signs while traveling in the area.

Additional project details are available at 16thstreetmedians.ddot.dc.gov. Phase 2 construction is expected to wrap up by Dec. 31.