The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has always been a huge supporter of Context Sensitive Design (CSD). DDOT has always used CSD in all transportation projects. DDOT's Context sensitive approach extends from extended public involvement to preserving the historic character of the District, from avoiding adverse impacts on the natural parklands to enhancing multi-modal transportation options in every transportation project.
In order to formalize the Context Sensitive Design approach to all projects DDOT started to develop its internal CSD procedures and policies in the year 2003. As a result of this effort Context Sensitive Design guidelines were developed. DDOT has recently revised its Design Guidelines Manual and a full chapter on Context Sensitive Design guidelines has been added to this Design Manual.
As a next step to this ongoing Context Sensitive Design effort, DDOT was also selected as one of the first round of 15 states to receive CSD training from FHWA. This training was conducted in February 2004. A first group of 40 key DDOT personnel successfully completed this training conducted by FHWA. The DDOT personnel who attended this training included design engineers, planners, community specialists, projects managers, and program managers.
Currently DDOT is working on extending this Context Sensitive Design effort by getting more personnel trained in CSD and ensuring the use of CSD approach in all Transportation projects. Only recently DDOT has completed two projects, which are excellent examples of Context Sensitive Design. These projects were:
DDOT has a long history of extended community involvement and DDOTﾒs Context Sensitive Design will also ensure extended community involvement. DDOTﾒs public involvement process starts public involvement from the project scoping stage and continues until the completion of construction of the project. For public involvement many resources such as print media, electronic media, community events, Area Neighborhood Councils (ANC), and schools are used. In one of our recent projects DDOT hand-delivered more than 300 letters to area residents about the transportation project in their neighborhood.
CSS Projects (in addition to those listed as Case Studies on this site):
The Georgetown Project, Georgetown, Washington DC
Contact: Karyn LeBlanc ( karyn.Leblanc@dc.gov )
8th Street, SE (Barracks Row), Washinton DC
Contact: Rachel MacCleery (Rachel.maccleery@dc.gov)
DDOT successfully completed the CSD training of its first group of 40 key personnel. This training was conducted by FHWA. The DDOT personnel who attended this training included design engineers, planners, community specialists, projects managers, and program managers. Currently DDOT is working with FHWA to train more personnel.
