Mayor Vincent Gray joined neighborhood leaders this past Thursday morning to break ground on the street renovation project that will be taking place in Georgetown over the next year.

The project is targeted at O and P Streets—both of which feature cobblestones and trolley tracks—and will also include the sections of 33^rd through 37^th Streets in between O and P.

The city’s contractor plans to remove the rails and other historical elements, refurbish them, and replace them in order to preserve the historic nature of the streets while also providing a smoother ride for drivers.

The affected cross streets between O and P are expected to be resurfaced and receive granite curbs.

The project is scheduled to begin today on the 3600 block of P Street. Residents whose streets will be affected by the construction received a letter from the District last week detailing the plans.

City officials expect the project to be completed by August 2012.

h/t and photo: The Georgetown Dish