Washington, D.C. (Monday, April 20, 2020) – It’s been a rallying call for weeks from many DC residents.  They need more space in order to comply with some of those social distancing guidelines.  We’ve all experienced this long before the coronavirus crisis pushed us to stay six feet apart.   You’re walking down a busy street in DC and there are so many other people right along side you.  Well, in today’s social distancing world, that’s a big problem, as officials work to slow the spread of Covid-19. 

Mayor Muriel Bowser is hoping to provide some relief in certain parts of the District.  Bowser announced  the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) will temporarily extend sidewalks near grocery stores and other essential retailers to allow pedestrians enough space to practice social distancing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.  Sidewalk extensions will be located in all eight wards, based on DDOT’s evaluation and suggestions from the public.

“While staying at home is a crucial part of flattening the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic, we do recognize residents need to make trips to essential businesses like grocery stores, and sometimes existing sidewalk space makes social distancing a challenge,” said Mayor Bowser. “This tactic will allow for better social distancing as we all work together to flatten the curve.”

DDOT is currently evaluating sites and will also consider locations submitted by Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC) and Business Improvement District (BID) representatives. Residents should submit their requests to their respective ANC or BID. In turn, the ANC or BID will send suggestions to vision.zero@dc.gov. For more information about the sidewalk extensions, please visit ddot.dc.gov or call the DDOT Customer Service Division at (202) 673-6813.