Across the country, cities are installing curb extensions to increase safety for all roadway users, especially pedestrians. Curb extensions reduce the speed of traffic while turning and minimize the distance pedestrians need to walk to cross the street at crosswalks. DDOT installs quick- build curb extensions, consisting of posts and paint, to address immediate safety concerns at intersections. These quick-build curb extensions provide a canvas for public art in the curb extension.
“The Fantastical Creatures of Brightwood” by Joel Bergner and Assistant Artists: Eliecer Jorge Bermudez and Guilherme da Silva, at Brightwood Elementary School 1300 Nicholson St NW. Completed curb extension mural for FY 23 Color the Curb: School Safety Program
The broader Color the Curb program began as a joint agency project between CAH and DDOT's Arts in the Right-of-Way (AROW) program. Color the Curb supports artist designs that transform intersections into works-of-art to increase the safety and visibility of pedestrians while adding visual interest to the area. The ground murals are meant to elevate the importance of safe intersections for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists; celebrate the culture, spirit and/or history of the District; and create a public canvas that features the artwork of District artists and/or graphic designers. In 2021 five artists were selected to launch this initiative with designs and installation of ground murals at four intersections in Northwest. In 2022 CAH and DDOT expanded Color the Curb to collaborate directly with DCPS and selected elementary schools in Ward 7 to transform DDOT designated intersections near those schools. FY23 saw schools in NE, SE, and NW.