The D.C. Council has unanimously confirmed Sharon Kershbaum as the new head of the city's Department of Transportation (DDOT), despite recent controversies surrounding the agency's decisions. Kershbaum, who has been serving as acting director since last fall, faced scrutiny over the cancellation of long-planned bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue NW and the impending shutdown of Circulator bus service.
Council members expressed disappointment with DDOT's decision-making process and lack of transparency, particularly regarding the Connecticut Avenue project and the Circulator service changes. However, they largely attributed these issues to Mayor Muriel E. Bowser's administration rather than Kershbaum herself.
Charles Allen, who heads the council's transportation committee, stated, "To be blunt, many of the decisions that are disagreed with are above the DDOT Director, and it's a failure of the executive branch." Despite these concerns, Allen praised Kershbaum for her responsiveness and willingness to collaborate, describing such interbranch communication as "rare and refreshing."
Kershbaum's confirmation comes at a challenging time for D.C.'s transportation landscape. The city faces a Metro system in financial crisis, rising road fatalities, and significant budget cuts. In response, Kershbaum has outlined several priorities, including:
- Adding sidewalks to every city street
- Developing a more strategic plan for connecting bike lanes
- Improving communication about street changes
- Expanding traffic cameras and dedicated bus lanes
The decision to cancel the Connecticut Avenue bike lanes, which had been studied and discussed for six years, sparked intense debate. Supporters of the project argued it would enhance safety and provide more transportation options, while opponents cited concerns about traffic flow and parking availability.
"I recognize … there are people who feel strongly about this issue on both sides. But there was a plan that got developed, and a key part of that plan was to slow traffic on Connecticut Avenue and to increase options for transportation for everyone and promote safety."
Despite the controversy, many acknowledge that Kershbaum is ultimately answerable to the mayor. Chuck Elkins, an ANC commissioner, noted, "Ms. Kershbaum could have refused to announce the policy, but that would not have saved the bike lanes from the Mayor's decision."
As Kershbaum takes on her new role, she faces the challenge of balancing various transportation needs in a city with a population of approximately 700,000. Washington, D.C. has made significant strides in sustainable transportation over the past two decades, including the implementation of over 150 miles of bike lanes, the launch of Capital Bikeshare in 2010, and the adoption of the Vision Zero strategy in 2015 to eliminate traffic fatalities.
The new DDOT director will need to navigate these complex issues while working towards the city's Sustainable DC plan, which aims to increase biking and walking trips to 25% of all commuter trips by 2032. As Kershbaum begins her tenure, all eyes will be on her ability to address the city's transportation challenges and foster collaboration between various stakeholders.