In 2002, this DCist moved to the far eastern reaches of Capitol Hill. At the time, 8th Street SE, which passes nearby the popular Eastern Market and in front of the Marine Barracks, was a worn down stretch of road, hardly a place you'd want to be caught at night. Three years and $8.5 million later, the roadway, at right, now known as the Barracks Row Main Street, boasts brick sidewalks, improved lighting, increased parking, and 40 new businesses, including nine new and popular outdoor cafes. It is this very turnaround that the District Department of Transportation envisions for seven other traffic corridors in the city.

Known as the Great Streets Transportation Framework, DDOT is announcing a five-year, $100 million program today which will include new sidewalks, lighting, paving and street trees along H Street/Benning Road, NE/SE; Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE; Pennsylvania Avenue, SE; Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE; South; Capitol Street; Minnesota Avenue, NE/SE; and Georgia Avenue/7th Street, NW. These improvements are hoped to spur private investment, attract businesses, and create new housing opportunities.

The announcement will be made today at the old City Council Chambers, 441 4th Street, NW, at 6:30 p.m.

>> DCist on Barracks Row.