Engineers and Planners proposed a system of tunnels to alleviate the congestion in downtown D.C. These subways would have been three separate lines running from as far north as Dupont Circle and as far south as C Street SW. The plan called for the removal of streetcar tracks on Pennsylvania Avenue and other streets in the central area. It also advocated for buildings downtown "appropriate to the motor age" to house parking garages, retail, and office space to serve as many people as possible. Below are some sketches of changes streetcar subways would make:
The proposed transfer station at 14th St NW and F St NW. This shows how streetcars would have been in multi-tiered tunnels much like the current Metro tunnels downtown today.
Pennsylvania Ave after the removal of streetcar tracks showing a median between the directional lanes. The tracks would eventually be removed in favor of bicycle lanes.
With the removal of streetcar tracks, the intersection of NY Ave and 15th St NW being changed to create an island separating traffic. This includes a bus on the street to replace the streetcars.
Proposed redevelopment of Columbus Circle in front of Union Station with streetcars now coming out of the tunnels running underground and emerging onto First St NE.
