Look for new crosswalks around DC — they should be easy to notice

The new ladder crosswalks consist of a more-reflective material. And with more of that paint on the road, it "pops out," said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. (WTOP/Kristi King)
The new ladder crosswalks consist of a more reflective material. And with more of that paint on the road, it “pops out,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. (WTOP/Kristi King)
A more-visible crosswalk has been considered essential for the intersection outside the King Greenleaf Recreation Center, which Is located not far from Nationals Park and Audi Field. (WTOP/Kristi King)
A more visible crosswalk has been considered essential for the intersection outside the King Greenleaf Recreation Center, not far from Nationals Park and Audi Field. (WTOP/Kristi King)
On Thursday, the D.C. Department of Transportation announced its paving work for the season, and that will include upgraded crosswalks. (WTOP/Kristi King)
Residents who would like to see crosswalks refreshed in their neighborhood can call 311, said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. (WTOP/Kristi King)
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The new ladder crosswalks consist of a more-reflective material. And with more of that paint on the road, it "pops out," said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. (WTOP/Kristi King)
A more-visible crosswalk has been considered essential for the intersection outside the King Greenleaf Recreation Center, which Is located not far from Nationals Park and Audi Field. (WTOP/Kristi King)
On Thursday, the D.C. Department of Transportation announced its paving work for the season, and that will include upgraded crosswalks. (WTOP/Kristi King)

It should be easier for drivers to see some crosswalks around the District in the months ahead.

On Thursday, the D.C. Department of Transportation announced its paving work for the season, and that will include upgrading crosswalks.

“We are converting all of the standard crosswalks, which are traditionally two straight lines, with high-visibility ladder crosswalks to improve safety across the District,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian during an event at First and N streets Southwest.

Such ladder crosswalks, he said, consist of a more reflective material. And with more of that paint on the road, it “pops out,” he said.

It’s a part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Vision Zero initiative. As the District repaves many roads over the next several years, they will upgrade crosswalks to high-visibility ones — and refresh those that already are high-visibility, he said.

Outside the nearby King Greenleaf Recreation Center, ANC Commissioner Rhonda Hamilton said a more visible crosswalk is essential for the location, which is not far from Nationals Park and Audi Field.

“One of my major concerns is pedestrian safety,” Hamilton said. “I know that with an aggressive amount of traffic that we have, we have so many near-hits of pedestrians every single day, especially our children.”

Thursday’s announcement comes about two months after a pedestrian was fatally struck in Southeast D.C. That fatality resulted inspired residents to paint their own crosswalk nearby, in the 2300 block of 16th Street Southeast.

Residents who would like to see crosswalks refreshed in their neighborhood can call 311, Marootian said.

Jack Pointer

Jack contributes to WTOP.com when he's not working as the afternoon/evening radio writer.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

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