WASHINGTON — After an entrance to the Cleveland Park Metro Station became a waterfall in June, the District Department of Transportation is holding a meeting Thursday night to discuss changes in the area.
The water that flowed down the stairs and escalator of the west entrance had backed up on Connecticut Avenue and the sidewalk before eventually gushing down, as shown in this Metro security video:
Topics for the meeting Thursday night include broader issues such as street improvements along Connecticut Avenue, which could help address flooding, DDOT spokesman Terry Owens said.
For years, sandbags have been placed around the grates connected to the station entrance on the other side of the street to keep water from gushing down.
Changes around the commercial strip just north of the bridge over the old Klingle Road could aim to either catch or divert rainwater.
New pavement in the area has taken away grassy or dirt areas in recent years, which can add to the problems.
Other proposals related to the “streetscape and drainage improvement project” include changes at intersections in Cleveland Park to improve pedestrian safety — especially important given the thousands of National Zoo visitors who use the station.
DDOT also is looking into adding bike racks and benches.
The meeting will be held at the Cleveland Park Library on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It was rescheduled to Thursday after having originally been set for August.
