Permanently Widened Sidewalks May Be on the Horizon in Georgetown

After a success weekend of temporarily widening sidewalks in Georgetown, it may become a fixed feature.

The sidewalks between Wisconsin Avenue and Potomac Street along the 3200 Block of M Street were widened one weekend in October for the anticipated crowds from the Georgetown University and American University Parents and Family Weekends.

According to DC Curbed, there was an increase of pedestrian traffic that weekend by 9.8 percent. Although 47 parking spaces were barricaded in the area in order to make room to expand the eight foot wide sidewalks, special garage discounts made parking not terrible.

The Georgetown 2028 15 Year Action Plan addresses the narrow sidewalk issue and future plans to better the pedestrian experience:

“Red brick sidewalks are a prominent element of Georgetown’s historic streetscape. But these sidewalks are often a source of frustration and inconvenience to pedestrians as large light poles reduce useable sidewalk space, uncovered tree boxes make for tricky footing, and bricks that need replacing go untended. Proposals for permanent sidewalk widening on principal corridors have raised concerns over the potential impact on Georgetown’s already heavy traffic congestion. Any sidewalk widening efforts should focus on creating space where, and when, it is most needed.”

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