395 - GSA Development of St. Elizabeths Campus

2.3.1 SocioeconomicForecasts for the 2020 and 2035 timeframes indicate growth related to employment, households,and population throughout Southeast DC. Regardless of the DHS relocation, “baseline” growthis projected for Southeast DC; this growth is expected to result from several redevelopmentsand developments in and beyond the Study Area that will contribute to increased traveldemands and home-based-work trips. However, the relocation of DHS Headquarters to St.Elizabeths will result in a higher employment growth rate than this region would otherwiseexperience. Further, the influx of employment from the DHS Headquarters relocation to St.Elizabeths - and the redevelopment of the Anacostia area in support of this relocation - willresult in a higher traffic and transit demand growth rate than is currently expected to occur inthe absence of the development.2.3.2 Travel PatternsWithin the Metropolitan Washington region, travel patterns are expected to remain similar toexisting conditions. Travel demand will grow in parallel with population and employment,experiencing an increase in daily traffic volumes based on the overall growth anticipated in theregion. Although there may be some reallocation of trips associated with the relocation of DHSHeadquarters to St. Elizabeths, over the course of the 2020-to-2035 time frame it is anticipatedthat the influx directly after the relocation will balance out with new development in the region,replacing existing trips to DHS properties that will shift to St. Elizabeths. Therefore, the totaltrips anticipated in 2035 will remain consistent; the location of those trips will be redistributedto account for the relocation to St. Elizabeths.2.3.3 Alternatives EliminatedSection 4 of this report describes the roadway concept alternatives that were developed, revised,and either dismissed or recommended for further analysis. A few examples of some of thealternatives eliminated from further consideration included:• Reconfiguration of South Capitol Street as a pair of one-way frontage roads on eitherside of I-295, with a connection to Gate 4 provided via a two-connector road/overpassset of at-grade intersections. The West Access Road would be incorporated as a part ofSouth Capitol Street under this alternative, which raised security concerns and conflictswith DHS’ programmatic needs.• Direct access ramps between I-295 and Gate 4 / the West Access Road. Provision of thistype of access was eliminated from consideration due to conflicts with DDOT andFHWA Policy.• An extension of 13 th Street SE northward from Pecan Street to cross over SuitlandParkway and intersect with / feed into Sheridan Road, as originally assessed inAlternative 2 of the Draft EIS. Alignment issues associated with existing steep grades,lack of significant operational benefits, right-of-way conflicts and logistical difficultiesassociated with the roadway network on the north side of Suitland Parkway precludedthis concept from further consideration.2-6