The District of Columbia is undertaking a comprehensive spring cleaning initiative, addressing infrastructure repairs, public health concerns, and several emergency situations.

Comprehensive Spring Cleaning Plan

Spring cleaning season is here, and Washington D.C. is launching an aggressive revitalization plan following the winter months. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a plan encompassing road and sidewalk repairs, alleyway cleaning, graffiti removal, and rat population control.

Infrastructure Improvements

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will lead road resurfacing efforts, targeting 81 miles of roadways. Additionally, 40 miles of sidewalks will be repaired. The Department of Public Works (DPW) will focus on alleyway cleanliness and graffiti removal throughout the city.

Mayor Bowser emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging residents to report issues via the 311 service. “We live in the most beautiful city in the world. People tell me that all the time when they come to visit,” Mayor Bowser said in a press conference. “We know at this time, just like many people are doing around their own homes and yards, this is the time we clean up from a long winter.”

Rat Population Control

The District is also implementing a proactive strategy to combat rat infestations. Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of the Department of Health (DOH), outlined a plan using baiting, tracking powder, and a fertility suppressant.

“So we’re going to use a series of baiting and tracking powder and a fertility suppressant, and we’re gonna get the rat population down, and then we’re gonna come back in three weeks to see if any of those babies survived and get them too,” DOH director Dr. Ayanna Bennett said. The DOH will implement a follow-up strategy, deviating from its typical practice, to measure the effectiveness of the new system. Initial treatment will begin in Adams Morgan, with residents encouraged to report sightings to 311.

Multiple Emergency Responses

Alongside the spring cleaning efforts, authorities are responding to several emergencies. Rescue crews are working to save a person trapped in a trench in Franklin County.

A collision on I-83 has caused a complete highway closure, resulting in traffic diversions and delays. A woman was airlifted to a trauma center after falling from a trestle bridge into a creek. Pennsylvania State Police are also responding to a reported drowning in Lancaster County, in the first block of Woodcrest. Details on each incident are still under investigation.