WASHINGTON — A multi-million dollar revamp of the freeways in Southeast Washington is nearing completion. Southeast Boulevard was opened to traffic last Monday as part of the final phase of the 11th Street Bridge Project. The new boulevard replaces the last vestiges of an outdated, unfinished freeway system.
Southeast Boulevard runs between 11th Street SE and Pennsylvania Avenue. At its western end, a new signalized interestion at 11th Street allows drivers to access the Southeast Freeway (I-695). Along with the rerouting of the Southeast Freeway, the new 11th Street Freeway Bridges and a redesigned interchange at Interstate 295, the boulevard marks the beginning of the end of the long-term project. The District Department if Transportation hopes the new array of roads will improve traffic flow throughout this part of the city.
The Southeast Freeway was closed in January 2013. During the closure, the sunken freeway was converted to a level boulevard. The road was raised and outfitted with new lighting and a wide median strip.
The new road is four lanes in each direction. Eastbound drivers are routed into the outbound Sousa Bridge. Inbound drivers can access the boulevard via the old Barney Circle Tunnel. The ramp to RFK Stadium from Barney Circle remains closed at an unrelated work zone.
