WASHINGTON — Some D.C. alleys that are a patchwork of concrete, asphalt, weeds and dirt are getting a makeover as part of an annual repair project that kicked off Thursday.
D.C.’s fifth AlleyPalooza program will resurface 64 alleys in the coming weeks.
Speaking at one of the alleys earmarked for repairs in Northeast Washington, Mayor Muriel Bowser said the initiative is part of her focus on infrastructure. Bowser’s office says that since 2015, the mayor has overseen the investment of $175 million in local infrastructure including roads and sidewalks. And more than 340 alleys have been improved during the past two years.
“We really view infrastructure as a vitally important component to community development,” said D.C. Department of Transportation Director Leif Dormsjo. “That’s why we’re here.”
Dormsjo said a project like the one in Northeast can be “transformative” to a neighborhood.
Of the alleys set to be revamped, five will feature permeable pavement, which captures and filters stormwater runoff, preventing some of it from going into the city’s combined sewer system. That in turn can reduce the amount of raw sewage that overflows into local waterways.
This AlleyPalooza is expected to cost about $10 million. The program begins about two weeks after the start of Potholepalooza, the annual campaign to repair roads following damage they sustained in the winter.
Residents can nominate their alley for future repairs by calling 311.
Zoom in to see the locations for this round of alley repairs:
