Evening star., 1923-01-27
PLAN TO ABOLISH
MAZE Of TRACKS
Utilities Commission Consid.
ers Project Affecting New
York Ave. and 14th st.
TO RELIEVE CONGESTION
Rails Would Be Spread Out Over
n and 18th Streets and
Provide Rerouting.
TO RELIEVE CONGESTION

Important changes IN the layout Of
street car tracks In the downtown
section Of the city. with q view to
improving service and relieving the
trafi1c situation at 18th street and
New York avenue. are under con-
sideration by the Public Utilities
Commission, Il was learned today.
Thus far two schemes have been
drafted. namely:
To have the Capital Traction Com
pany lay double tracks on I street
from 14th to 18th and south on 18th
to the Treasury.
To have the Washington Railway
and Electric Company extend its H
street tracks west from l7th street to
18th street. This plan calls for double
tracks n far as 18th street and single
track to 18th street, where 1t would
connect with the existing single track
running south to Potomac Park.
First Plan Favored.
Engineer Commissioner Keller said
today that the first plan regarding
treatment Of 14th street Is being ia
vorably considered by the company,
but the proposed H street plan has
not yet been presented to the rail-
way system.
An outstanding feature Of advan-
tage In the first scheme is that II
would make possible the removal OF
two Of the four sets Of tracks now
18th to 14th and on 14th from New
York avenue to H street.
The tentative plan contemplates the
removal Of the Washington Railway
and Electric tracks on New York
avenue and the turning over to that
company of the Capital Traction
tracks on New York avenue between
18th and 18th at a reasonable value.
To Improve Reroutfnx.
II this change Is made it also would
be possible to connect the Washington
Railway and Electric line on New York
avenue with the present Capital Trac-
tion tracks running west from 18th
street past the White House and Treas
ury. This, in turn, would make possible
improved rerouting Of cars.
1t Is understood to be the thought of
the commission that such costly
changes should be made at the time
that track renewals become necessary
rather tnan 1mmediateIy, thereby avoid
ing the loss that would result from the
tearing up Of tracks not yet worn out
or in need Of repair.
The area from 18th street and New
York avenue to 14th and H streets has
developed into puzzling traffic situa-
ton. because Of existence Of four rows
OF tracks and q myriad Of switches,
with street cars approaching from
every direction.
Public Hearing Likely.
The proposed changes. II carried out,
would greatly improve transportation
facilities to many government buildings
west Of 18th street, 1t Is believed.
It Is probable that the Public .Utili-
ties Commission will hold public hear
ing to go thoroughly into the proposed
track changes before any definite de-
cisions are reached.
The committee appointed by the COM
nissioners to study existing trafic reg
ulations and recommend changes will
file Its. report with the city heads Mon
day. William p. Emo, chairman Of the
committee, announced today.
It IL understood that the question of
improving automobile parking conditions
in the congested section of the city will
be feature of the report 1t is prob
able that 18th street will have to be
widened II the car tracks are laid.