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Maine Avenue

A vital artery in Washington, D.C.'s urban fabric.

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Overview

Location & Designation

Maine Avenue is a significant diagonal thoroughfare situated within the Southwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. It serves as a key connector, linking major avenues and intersecting with vital transportation infrastructure.

Civic Management

The maintenance and oversight of Maine Avenue fall under the purview of the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT), ensuring its functionality and upkeep as part of the city's extensive road network.

Geographic Context

This avenue traverses a notable area of the capital, running parallel to the scenic Tidal Basin and the historic Washington Channel, placing it at the heart of the city's waterfront district.

Route Description

Path of the Avenue

Maine Avenue commences its journey at the intersection of 17th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW. It proceeds in a southeasterly direction, tracing a path alongside the Tidal Basin.

Key Intersections

The avenue navigates beneath Interstate 395 near 12th Street SW. Further along, it runs parallel to the Washington Channel and Water Street SW, crossing 7th Street SW before its eastern terminus.

Eastern Terminus

Maine Avenue concludes its course at 6th Street SW, where it seamlessly transitions into M Street SW, continuing the flow of traffic through the Southwest quadrant.

Points of Interest

Arena Stage

A prominent cultural landmark situated along Maine Avenue, Arena Stage is a renowned regional theater contributing significantly to the D.C. arts scene.

Southwest Waterfront

This vibrant area, encompassing Maine Avenue, is a hub of activity, offering scenic views and access to the water. It is historically significant for its maritime connections.

Maine Avenue Fish Market

As the oldest, continuously operating fish market in the United States, it stands as a unique and historic destination along the Southwest Waterfront, offering fresh catches daily.

Historical Context

Early Development

In 1861, Maine Avenue was documented as a relatively small street situated north of Maryland Avenue, in proximity to Capitol Hill. Its alignment and significance have evolved considerably since then.

Infrastructure Plans

The avenue was once slated to be part of an extended Interstate 695 project. However, this ambitious highway expansion plan within the District of Columbia was ultimately canceled, preserving the avenue's existing character.

Connected Roadways

Numbered & Lettered Streets

Maine Avenue intersects with key numbered streets like 7th, 14th, and 12th, and connects to lettered streets such as M Street SW.

State-Named Avenues

It is part of a network of avenues named after U.S. states, including notable neighbors like Independence Avenue and routes such as U.S. Route 1.

Civic & National Landmarks

The avenue is situated near important areas like the National Mall (Constitution, Independence Avenues) and President's Park, surrounded by numerous circles and squares named after historical figures and places.

Major Arterials

It interfaces with significant transportation corridors including Interstate 395, various parkways (e.g., Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway), and expressways (e.g., Southwest Expressway).

Geographic Data

Coordinates

The central coordinates for Maine Avenue are approximately 38°52′58.6″N 77°1′51.3″W. This location places it strategically within the capital's geography.

Junction Details

Major intersections include U.S. Route 1 (at 14th Street) and Ohio Drive, Interstate 395 (at 12th Street), and 7th Street. The western terminus is Independence Avenue, and it transitions into M Street SW at its eastern end.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Maine Avenue Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional urban planning, civil engineering, or historical consultation. Always refer to official city planning documents and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs related to infrastructure or historical context.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.