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  The Cause


Public Safety


Public safety officials have indicated that Klingle Road is critical to protection of life and property. These include the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Fire Firefighters Local 36,  the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 3721 (who represents paramedics and emergency medical technicians in the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department),  numerous DC professional ambulance and wheelchair transport services such as Professional Ambulance Service, Silver Spring Ambulance Service, Metro Care Wheelchair Transport, and Ambulance Services Companies.  

Safety analyses conducted in the study area reveal that there were approximately 69 crashes over a 3-year period.  The majority of these crashes, approximately 56, occurred at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Porter Street. In general, it is expected that the overall accidents in the study area could be reduced if Klingle Road was open due to the diversion of traffic from the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Porter Street.   Berger Study, D-10

In September 1994, then DPW Director, Betty Hager Francis wrote a letter to Woodley Park which states, "[M]any motorists, local residents, and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) and the police department responded opposing the closure. According to the police department, periodic closures of the roadway due to storm damage had greatly increased traffic congestion at Porter St. and Connecticut Ave. resulting in long delays for emergency vehicles. Since the roadway is presently closed, emergency services continue to experience delays in responding to assignments because of longer distances to travel and traffic congestion which is more frequent and severe due to increasing traffic volumes." (Exhibit 2)

In November of that same year, US Department of Interior stated to DPW their understanding that emergency service operations have identified Klingle Road as a "critical thoroughfare that is necessary to protect life and property."

Police and fire officials have stated that open roads enhance police operations and emergency preparedness. Multiple bridge closings and other emergency scenarios are less difficult to imagine these days. Many of these scenarios involve transporting personnel and equipment across wards and through the city. Eliminating roads restricts logistical options.

Klingle Road provides quick access from the Reno Road area of the city to major medical facilities such as the Washington Hospital Center, Children's National Medical Center, Washington Veteran's Administration Hospital, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Providence Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children.  Access for medical staff, hospital workers, families, and patients of the hospitals located in NW and NE Washington using Klingle Road to Adams Mill Road to Irving Street, NW. 

At the December 13, 2001 Mayor's Press Conference, DDOT Director Dan Tangherlini said:  "What are some of the other issues beyond pure cost benefit?  Safety. This is a very curvy, winding road.  We would never be able to build a road like this."

All the roads feeding into Rock Creek Park, including Beach Drive are curvy and winding.  The roads and trails of Rock Creek Park form a historically significant circulation system.  The circulation system of the park also contributes a distinctive layered historic character to the park. 
Many of the historic trails were adapted from old farm roads.  All of the park's serpentine roads were designed as pleasure drives.  The present road system continues to reflect their original purpose of providing public access to the enjoyment of extraordinary rural scenery.  Although adapted to the automobile, the designed alignment, width and environmental surroundings of these scenic roads has not substantially changed since the 1920s. (National Register of Historic Places).  

Cyclists and bikers have safety issues too.

DPW Study
shows safety will increase.



For additional information, please email support@repairklingleroad.org