Pope Visit Spurs D.C. Road Projects

WASHINGTON - For drivers frustrated with the often bad conditions of D.C. streets, your prayers are being answered. That's because the Pope is coming to town.

In addition to making Pope Benedict safe during his visit next week, District leaders want to make sure that "Pope Mobile" doesn't hit any potholes as the pontiff drives around town.

Leaders have expedited several road projects around the city. Road crews have been busy working in Northwest D.C. to repave the stretch of Massachusetts Avenue in front of the Vatican Embassy across from the vice president's residence.

All of the road work had been on the District's schedule, but D.C. Department of Transportation Director Emeka Moneme tells WTOP his department made a decision to prioritize the roads on the Pope's route.

A spokesperson for DDOT says there was no extra cost associated with expediting the work and no other projects were delayed.

"Pope Mobile" will travel from the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue to the Rock Creek Parkway to Waterside Drive and then back to Pennsylvania Avenue next Wednesday.

The Pope will travel across the Catholic University campus to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Thursday evening.

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