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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Completion of the Pennsylvania Avenue Streetscape and Security Improvements Project

On November 9, 2004, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) participated in a ceremony marking completion of the Pennsylvania Avenue Streetscape and Security Improvements Project in front of the White House. The road has been closed for security reasons since the Oklahoma City bombing of the Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995.

The restoration project was designed to create a pedestrian plaza on the segment of Pennsylvania Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets, NW., and improve conditions at H Street and Jackson and Madison Places. The goal was to improve the condition of the Avenue as well as enhance security. The new pedestrian plaza provides better public access and a generous open space, enhancing views of the White House and other landmarks in the Nation's Capital. The project included security enhancements, new granite pavement and sidewalks, new site furnishings such as granite benches, new streetlamp installations and landscaping. The FHWA administered the design and construction contracts for the reconstruction project in cooperation with the National Capital Planning Commission, the D.C. Department of Transportation, the General Services Administration, the Department of the Treasury, the Secretary Service, and the National Park Service.

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District Mayor Anthony A. Williams looks on as First Lady Laura Bush congratulates Administrator Peters on completion of the project.
District Mayor Anthony A. Williams looks on as First Lady Laura Bush congratulates Administrator Peters on completion of the project.

 

Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters told First lady Laura Bush (seated): " Mrs. Bush, I gave you our word 14 months ago that the work on the Pennsylvania Avenue Streetscape and Security Improvements Project would be world class. And I said that the final product would be worthy of a thoroughfare known as the "Avenue of the People." I'm proud to say, we've completed a gracious, beautiful - and secure- streetscape that all Americans can enjoy."
Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters told First lady Laura Bush (seated):
" Mrs. Bush, I gave you our word 14 months ago that the work on the Pennsylvania Avenue Streetscape and Security Improvements Project would be world class. And I said that the final product would be worthy of a thoroughfare known as the "Avenue of the People." I'm proud to say, we've completed a gracious, beautiful - and secure- streetscape that all Americans can enjoy."

 

Administrator Peters describes the completed project to the First lady (left to right), Michael Van Valkenburgh, Landscape Architect for the project, Mayor Anthony A. Williams, and Chairman Jon V. Cogbill III of the National Capital Planning Commission.
Administrator Peters describes the completed project to the First lady (left to right), Michael Van Valkenburgh, Landscape Architect for the project, Mayor Anthony A. Williams, and Chairman Jon V. Cogbill III of the National Capital Planning Commission.

 

Last updated: Friday, June 30, 2023