Friday, February 19, 2016

Go Montgomery - February 18, 2016


Go Montgomery

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Become an Adopt a Road or Adopt a Spot Volunteer

Join hundreds of volunteers who have adopted more than 300 road segments and spots by participating in the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Adopt A Road (AAR) and Adopt A Spot (AAS) programs. Read more.

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Silver Spring to Get a Protected Bike Lane in 2016

At a community workshop in February attended by over 70 community members, Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) unveiled plans for protected bike lanes on Spring Street and Cedar Street in downtown Silver Spring. Read more.

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New Bikeshare Station Installed at Mallory Square

Montgomery County’s 53rd Bikeshare station is now open at Mallory Square Station, located at Key West Avenue and Siesta Key Way, Rockville. The original installation date for the station was delayed due to Snowzilla. Crews were able to fit in installation of this station ahead of the one planned next week for the Medical Center Metro Station. Read more.

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Green Streets Drive Runoff in the Right Direction

Through a partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), MCDOT has helped DEP create green streets to minimize rain and snow runoff—and the pollution that can result. Runoff, especially on roads and parking lots, pick up pollutants on their way to storm drains that eventually end up reaching our waterways. Read more

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MCDOT Retiming Traffic Signals in Silver Spring to Give More Crossing Time to Pedestrians

MCDOT’s Traffic Engineering Division is retiming all the traffic signals in the Silver Spring Central Business District to provide more time for pedestrians to cross the street. Read more.

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SHA Installing New Pedestrian Crossing on Connecticut Avenue

The State Highway Administration is installing a pedestrian-activated warning signal and painted crosswalk on Connecticut Avenue at Lenox Street, just north of Chevy Chase Village Hall. The project is expected to take about six weeks. Read more.

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Repairs to Middlebrook Lane Culvert Complete

MCDOT's Division of Highway Services has completed emergency culvert repairs for a collapsed pipe on Middlebrook Road between Great Seneca Highway and Cross Ridge Drive. Highway Services also repaved that section of the road.

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SHA Work on New Bridge Will Require Lane Closures on MD 193 and I-495

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) advises motorists who travel on MD 193 (University Boulevard) or I-495 (Capital Beltway) in Silver Spring that upcoming lane closures will impact overnight travel for the next month. Read more.

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Metro Invites Public Feedback on its Proposed FY17 Budget

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) invites the public to provide feedback on its proposed Fiscal Year 2017 operating budget as well as the capital improvement plan and Federal grant applications. Read more.

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Public Has Another Opportunity to Comment on the Proposed Closure of Hermitage Avenue in Wheaton

A continuation of the public hearing to obtain input on the proposed closure of the Hermitage Avenue right-of-way at its intersection with Georgia Avenue is planned for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24.  Read more.

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February 18, 2016


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Contact 311 to Report Potholes

MCDOT repairs potholes every day of the year except during rain and snow – and this year has been no exception. However, “Snowzilla” and this past weekend’s storms have accelerated the creation of potholes. Read more.
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Free VanGo Bus in Silver Spring Runs Evenings and Saturdays, Too

Getting around in Silver Spring is a lot easier with the VanGo bus’ expanded hours. The free service, which is also known as Ride On Route 28, provides service to and from the Silver Spring Metro station. Read more.

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Leggett Seeks Applicants for Taxicab Services Commission

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill 11 vacancies on the Taxicab Services Commission. Applications are due February 26. Read more.

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American Heart Association to Sponsor National Walking Day in April

Save the date: The American Heart Association will kick off a month-long campaign for health that begins with National Walking Day on April 6. Learn more.


Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Contact 311 to Report Potholes



MCDOT repairs potholes every day of the year except during rain and snow – and this year has been no exception. However, “Snowzilla” and this past weekend’s storms have accelerated the creation of potholes. Division of Highway Services’ crews have been making repairs, but they also need the public’s help. With more than 5,200 lane miles of roads to cover, MCDOT relies on residents to report pothole locations. As repair crews are dispatched to reported problems, they also stop to fill any other potholes encountered as they make their rounds.

Residents can report potholes online or by calling the MC311 Call Center at 311 or 240-777-0311, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Drivers are asked to be cautious and patient when encountering crews filling potholes.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA) fills potholes, plows snow and maintains numbered routes in the County, such as Maryland routes 355 or 97. MSHA can be reached at 301-513-7300 or online. In addition, municipalities, such as the cities of Rockville or Gaithersburg, handle their own repairs.

For most potholes, MCDOT will be using what is called “cold patch” material.  However, where potholes require more than a simple fix, the area may need to be excavated and repaved with asphalt, which may take more than one visit to repair.


Become an Adopt a Road or Adopt a Spot Volunteer

Charles P. Johnson & Associations have been in the AAR program since 2012 adoping Powder Mill Road in Silver Spring
Join hundreds of volunteers who have adopted more than 300 road segments and spots by participating in the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Adopt A Road (AAR) and Adopt A Spot (AAS) programs. Individuals, clubs, organizations and businesses help keep our neighborhoods attractive, clean, safe and litter-free by regularly removing accumulated trash alongside more than 1,100 lane miles of adopted roadways and at locations, such as parks, open spaces and right-of-ways. Not only do they enhance the appearance of our community, they also are improving our environment.

Roadside litter is a pollutant that can wash into storm drains that flow into watersheds. The trash that ends up in nearby creeks and streams can eventually be swept all the way to the Chesapeake Bay, degrading water quality and harming our fisheries and wildlife. AAR and AAS volunteers help safeguard our waterways and protect the water supply.

There are several benefits to becoming an AAR or AAS Volunteer:
  • MCDOT recognizes you by posting a sign with your name on it at the beginning and end of your adopted roadway segment or at your adopted spot.
  • We provide safety equipment and supplies, including reflective vests, heavy duty gloves, trash bags and trash pickup sticks.
  •  MCDOT recognizes those who collect the most trash every month through the Clean Sweeps Awards program.
  •  We publicize volunteer efforts through our monthly, AAR e-newsletter, on our website, through press releases and at special awards ceremonies.
Help make Montgomery County a greener and cleaner place to live. Learn more about AAR and AAS and fill out an application today.


Silver Spring to Get a Protected Bike Lane in 2016


(From Washington Area Bicyclists Association, February 12, 2016, by Garrett Hennigan)
At a community workshop in February attended by over 70 community members, Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) unveiled plans for protected bike lanes on Spring Street and Cedar Street in downtown Silver Spring. Stretching almost one mile from Second Avenue to Wayne Avenue, the lanes will sit against the curb, separated from car traffic by a painted buffer, vertical posts and parked cars.

Following the short Woodglen protected bike lane installed in White Flint in 2014, this project will be the second on street bike facility in the County that puts cyclist safety and comfort first.
Read more.


MCDOT Retiming Traffic Signals in Silver Spring to Give More Crossing Time to Pedestrians




MCDOT’s Traffic Engineering Division is retiming all the traffic signals in the Silver Spring Central Business District to provide more time for pedestrians to cross the street. Crews began work on Sunday, February 14 and will complete the retiming on Sunday, February 21. MCDOT is modifying 34 signals to allow pedestrians 3.5 seconds per foot of crossing time. 

Pedestrians are urged to remember to press the pedestrian push-to-walk button to get the pedestrian walk signal.

More information about traffic signals is available on MCDOT’s website.





Leggett Seeks Applicants for Taxicab Services Commission


Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill 11 vacancies on the Taxicab Services Commission. The positions will be allocated as follows:

  • Four public members, of which one must represent senior citizens, and one must represent persons with disabilities;
  • Seven taxicab industry representatives, of which three must represent management, two must be owner-drivers and two must be non-owner drivers.
Additional members of the Taxicab Services Commission are the ex officio, non-voting Director of the Department of Transportation, or the Director’s representative, and Chair of the County Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, or the Chair’s representative.

The Commission must conduct a review of the County taxicab industry and submit a report to the County Executive and County Council each even-numbered year. The report describes the status of the industry and identifies any changes to the regulation of the industry that the Commission finds necessary or desirable. These recommendations could cover licenses in circulation, rates, fees, insurance, accessibility, affiliation and dispatch requirements.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Meeting dates and locations will be determined.

Applications are due February 26. Apply online.


Repairs to Middlebrook Lane Culvert Complete



MCDOT's Division of Highway Services has completed emergency culvert repairs for a collapsed pipe on Middlebrook Road between Great Seneca Highway and Cross Ridge Drive. Highway Services also repaved that section of the road.


New Bikeshare Station Installed at Mallory Square


Montgomery County’s 53rd Bikeshare station is now open at Mallory Square Station, located at Key West Avenue and Siesta Key Way, Rockville. The original installation date for the station was delayed due to Snowzilla. Crews were able to fit in installation of this station ahead of the one planned next week for the Medical Center Metro Station.

The Mallory Square Bikeshare 15-dock Station was funded by the developer of the Mallory Square Apartments, who also paid for a set of replacement bikes and 12 years of station operating costs.

The Medical Center Bikeshare station installation is planned for February 23 and will be located between the Metro station and the Kiss and Ride parking lot. The station will feature 10 bikes, with room for 19 bikes to dock. However, work could be delayed if a predicted winter storm arrives in our area that day.

Montgomery County’s Capital Bikeshare program was launched in September 2013 in Bethesda, Friendship Heights, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Rockville, Shady Grove and the Life Sciences Center area. Bikeshare ridership helps reduce the number of people driving alone, improves air quality and maximizes the County’s investment in transit infrastructure like Ride On.

More information about Capital Bikeshare is available online.

Free VanGo Bus in Silver Spring Runs Evenings and Saturdays, Too


Getting around in Silver Spring is a lot easier with the VanGo bus’ expanded hours. The free service, which is also known as Ride On Route 28, provides service to and from the Silver Spring Metro station. The route’s main stops include Kennett Street, East West Highway, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Second Avenue, Cameron Street and Fenton Street. Check the route and schedule online.


Public Has Another Opportunity to Comment on the Proposed Closure of Hermitage Avenue in Wheaton


A continuation of the public hearing to obtain input on the proposed closure of the Hermitage Avenue right-of-way at its intersection with Georgia Avenue is planned for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24.  The closure is part of a Montgomery County Department of General Services (DGS) project to construct a new Wheaton Library/Community Recreation Center.

DGS is proposing to create a new right-of-way for vehicle and pedestrian use that will link to the existing portion of Hermitage Avenue. The new right-of-way will open before the closure of the old section of Hermitage Avenue. The pavement will be removed from the old section, but it will remain accessible to pedestrians.

The hearing will be held in the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, 7th Floor.

Residents may also comment by letter, fax or e-mail through Wednesday March 9, at 5 p.m.  Read more about the project.



Green Streets Drive Runoff in the Right Direction


Through a partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), MCDOT has helped DEP create green streets to minimize rain and snow runoff—and the pollution that can result. Runoff, especially on roads and parking lots, pick up pollutants on their way to storm drains that eventually end up reaching our waterways. Read more

This is a beautiful green street project in Silver Spring - green Streets use a variety of techniques to treat and filter stormwater close to the source. 

Metro Invites Public Feedback on its Proposed FY17 Budget


The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) invites the public to provide feedback on its proposed Fiscal Year 2017 operating budget as well as the capital improvement plan and Federal grant applications.

The budget proposal includes no fare increases and no service reductions.  Several key initiatives that are being considered are:
  • Elimination of SmarTrip® loading on Metrobus
  • Establishment of a University Pass (U-Pass)
  • Establishment of a Bus/Rail Combination Pass
  • Establishment of a same station entry/exit grace period
Comments on the proposed budget must be received by 9 a.m., Monday, February 29. The following opportunities are available for the public to provide input:
  • Take an online survey at wmata.com/budget.
  • Provide feedback to staff at the following locations/dates*:
        o   Rosslyn Station, Tuesday, February 16 from 4-7 p.m.    o   Fort Totten Station, Wednesday, February 17 from 4-7 p.m.    o   Anacostia Station, Thursday, February 18 from 4-7 p.m.
  • Email comments to writtentestimony@wmata.com.
  • Attend the formal public hearing on Monday, February 22* at 6:30 p.m., with an information session at 6 p.m. at Metro Headquarters Building, 600 Fifth St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.
*Note that dates may change due to weather and check wmata.com/budget for any schedule changes.

To view the full docket and for more information about the operating and capital budget, visit wmata.com/budget.


SHA Work on New Bridge Will Require Lane Closures on MD 193 and I-495


The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) advises motorists who travel on MD 193 (University Boulevard) or I-495 (Capital Beltway) in Silver Spring that upcoming lane closures will impact overnight travel for the next month.

A 161-foot, 175-ton crane will be used to lift the steel beams for a new bridge and crews will work above the I-495 lanes to tighten the steel beam bolts. SHA will work on the steel beams over the Outer Loop first. Once all Outer Loop beam work is complete, crews will repeat the process to insert beams over the Inner Loop.

Work began this month and will continue each night through early March (weather permitting). SHA is closing the lanes on the Inner and Outer Loops between exit 28 (MD 650/New Hampshire Avenue) and exit 30 (US 29/Colesville Road) at the following times:

  • One lane at 9 p.m.;
  • Two lanes at 10 p.m.; and
  • Three lanes at midnight.
The work also requires intermittent 15-minute complete lane closures between midnight and 4 a.m.  All travel lanes will reopen each day no later than 5 a.m. Drivers should consider MD 650 or US 29 as alternate routes during the overnight lane closures.


SHA Installing New Pedestrian Crossing on Connecticut Avenue


The State Highway Administration is installing a pedestrian-activated warning signal and painted crosswalk on Connecticut Avenue at Lenox Street, just north of Chevy Chase Village Hall. The project is expected to take about six weeks.

All work will be completed between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. While crews are working, the left travel lanes along both northbound and southbound Connecticut Avenue will be closed to traffic for work safety reasons. No roadway closures are anticipated for East and West Lenox streets.

Screenshot Via Google Maps - Pedestrian warning lights are coming to this Chevy Chase Village crosswalk.

American Heart Association to Sponsor National Walking Day in April


Save the date: The American Heart Association will kick off a month-long campaign for health that begins with National Walking Day on April 6. Learn more.



Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Go Montgomery *SPECIAL EDITION* February 2, 2016

Go Montgomery

snowzilla

MCDOT Responds to “Snowzilla” January 2016

The snowstorm of January 22 was record-setting, dumping between 22 and 38 inches of snow on Montgomery County. According to the National Weather Service, Potomac received the third highest snowfall on the East Coast with 38.5 inches recorded. See what MCDOT did to keep you moving

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Leggett Announces Six-Year Capital Construction Budget; Focus on Education, Job & Business Creation, Affordable Housing, Transit, Road Maintenance

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett released his recommended $4.4 billion FY17 Capital Budget and six-year FY17-22 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) on January 15. The plan includes $192 million in funding for Purple Line-related projects – including a maximum $40 million County contribution to the State for the Purple Line, and $181 million for road maintenance. Read more.

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Become an Exhibitor at the April 30 Montgomery County Greenfest

The 2nd annual Montgomery County GreenFest will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 30 at the Takoma Park Community Center. GreenFest is looking for exhibitors to provide food or display information about their company or organization. For-profit and nonprofit environmentally-focused organizations and vendors are encouraged to participate.  Space is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is expected to open the second week in February. Read more.

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County Council Asks Governor and MDOT to Construct Full I-270 Interchange at Watkins Mill Road

The Montgomery County Council sent a letter to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Peter Rahn, the secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, asking that the state proceed with the original design of the long-planned interchange at I-270 and Watkins Mill Road in Gaithersburg. It was recently learned that the State planned to significantly scale back the project. Read more.

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New Bikeshare Station Planned for Medical Center Metro Station

A new Montgomery County Bikeshare station will soon be added at the Medical Center Metro Station – weather permitting. The station will be located between the Metro station and the Kiss and Ride parking lot. This will be the 53rd Bikeshare station in the County.Read more.

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Employers: Commuter Connections Awards Deadline Extended to February 5

The application deadline for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' Commuter Connections program has been extended to February 5. The awards recognize regional employers who adopt alternative commuting methods such as transit, teleworking, carpooling/vanpooling and bicycling. These methods help to mitigate traffic congestion and provide for cleaner air through reduced auto emissions. Read more.

BRTcoming

Transportation for America Study Finds Positive Economic Development Benefits Associated with Bus Rapid Transit Projects

Transportation for America unveiled the findings of a new peer-reviewed study that examined existing bus rapid transit (BRT) lines and found strong evidence that BRT systems in the U.S. can generate economic development, attract jobs, retail and affordable housing — at a cost that’s well within reach for many mid-size American cities. Read more.

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February 2, 2016


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Did You Know that Ride On is Free for Montgomery College Students and Kids and Seniors at Certain Times of the Day?

Montgomery College students can ride Ride On for free anytime by showing the driver a valid student identification card with a current semester sticker. Express routes may require an additional fee.

With a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card, those ages five through 18 have some great options for getting inexpensive and free rides. Kids ride free on Ride On from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, youth get unlimited rides for only $11/month. See details.
Seniors age 65 years or older with a valid Metro Senior ID Card or Medicare Card and Photo ID ride free on Ride On from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Persons with a disability and a Metro Disabled Identification Card also ride free from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and attendants either ride free or pay half fare, depending on the time and day.

More information about Ride On fares is available online.

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