MCDOT’s Go Montgomery! Ride On Bus Service Changes Begin Sunday, September 8

 

Ride On Bus Service Changes Begin Sunday, Sept. 8 MCDOT will adjust 23 Ride On bus route service schedules and add two new high-frequency limited stop extRa bus routes starting Sunday, September 8. Although service levels are staying relatively the same, the changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where there is higher demand. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print. Learn more here. Tropical Storm Debby: Moore Signs Preparedness Declaration As Storm Nears MD While the storm's track remains uncertain, Debby could bring heavy rain, winds, and inland and tidal flooding to parts of Maryland.  MCDOT urges drivers to use caution when driving during severe weather: Always exercise caution on roadways during periods of heavy rain: use headlights whenever you use windshield wipers, reduce speeds and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. If you encounter high water, turn around and drive to a safe spot. Call the police non-emergency number – 301-279-8000 to report the situation to emergency personnel. For more information on flood safety, visit the Montgomery County Flooding Information website.  To stay informed during a severe weather event, major crisis or other type of emergency, sign up for the County’s “Alert Montgomery” emergency warning system. Learn more about County's alert system. Visit the OEMHS website for more information on severe summer storms. MCDOT's Storm Operations Center is on standby for storm emergency repairs. Follow @MCDOTNOW on X, Facebook or Instagram for storm updates and click here for Ride On bus service delays or subscribe to receive Ride On email service alerts or text MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 for alerts. If you see a tree or debris blocking a roadway or sidewalk or street/signal outages, report them at MCDOT's Get It Fixed website here or call MC311 at 311 or 240-777-0311. Montgomery County Executive Elrich Joins Metro, Federal and State Team Seeking to Create Major Life Sciences and Mixed-use Project at North Bethesda Metrorail Station Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Andrew Friedson and Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke led a group of Montgomery, Maryland and Federal officials on Tuesday, July 29 to launch an initiative to create a major transit-oriented life sciences center at the North Bethesda Metrorail Station. Creating dense, walkable, mixed-use development near transit stations will further connect Marylanders to jobs, housing, and other life opportunities. The County has already secured $36.6 million in local, State and Federal funding for infrastructure supporting the project, including streets and utilities, public open spaces and transit improvements. MCDOT Honors Employee Steve Suprata for 50 Years of Service MCDOT proudly congratulates Steve Suprata on an incredible 50 years of service with the Highway Services Division. Steve began his career as a Public Service Worker in 1974 and, through his dedication and hard work, has advanced to the position of Program Manager. He has worked under all seven Montgomery County Executives. Thank you, Steve, for your unwavering commitment and dedication to the residents of Montgomery County. “I was hired as a Public Service Worker I. Later, became an Equipment Operator I, then Work Force Leader II, all at the Colesville depot,” said Suprata. ”When the Contracts Unit was formed I was promoted to Engineer Technician III, which was later reassigned as a Work Force Leader IV, then I became the Highway Inspection Field Supervisor and finally I became the Division’s Program Manager. I currently manage MCDOT’s safety and training programs as well as the leaf collection and residential sweeping programs. I served as the Storm Operations Center Manager for many years and helped Highways respond to many major and minor weather events.” Fall Cleaning of Montgomery County Public Parking Garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton to Begin on Monday, Sept. 9 Starting on Monday, Sept. 9, MCDOT will begin its semi-annual interior washdown to degrease and clean 21 County-owned parking garages in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. The cleanings will occur on nights and weekends, starting with Bethesda garages on Monday, Sept. 9, and concluding with Silver Spring garages on Monday, Nov. 4. Some garages, including select entrance/exit areas and ramps, will experience partial closures. The full schedule of garage cleanings can be viewed here. MCDOT performs spring and fall washdowns to keep garages clean and help keep grease, oil and debris out of local waterways. Regular cleanings also prevent deterioration from prolonged exposure to salt, sand, oils, gas, dirt, pollen and leaves. MCDOT contractors will do their best to perform work around garage traffic and parked vehicles and will post signs notifying customers of anticipated impacts. MCDOT Seeks Feedback on the Capital Crescent Surface Trail Phase 2 Project Through Friday, Aug. 16 On Tuesday, July 16, MCDOT held a virtual public hearing to discuss the proposed Capital Crescent Surface Trail (CCST) Phase 2 project in Bethesda. The planned CCST is a separated two-way bike lane along the northern side of Bethesda Ave. between Woodmont Ave. and Wisconsin Ave. (MD 355). East of Wisconsin Ave., the two-way separated bike lane will continue along the southern side of Willow Ln. to 47th St. A shared-use path is planned along the Elm St. Park’s 47th St. frontage. The public can view the meeting presentation and listen to a recording of the meeting. The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form or via email to the Project Manager, Kevin Minn at kevin.minn@montgomerycountymd.gov by Friday, Aug. 16. All information provided will become a matter of public record. Public input is encouraged and may influence the final design of the project. MCDOT Sponsors Learn to Ride Adult Bike Classes  MCDOT will continue its series of fall classes to teach adults how to ride bicycles.   The September classes run from 9 a.m. to noon and are open to residents 18-and-over who have never ridden a bike or who want to refresh their skills. Bikes will be provided. Advance registration is required to participate, and the cost is $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for WABA or Capital Bikeshare members. The following September classes will be held on: Saturday, Sept. 7 (rain date 9/21) Wheaton Ice Arena back parking lot 11717 Orebaugh Dr., Wheaton Sunday, Sept. 22 (rain date 10/6) Davis Construction at Twinbrook Metro Center I 12530 Parklawn Dr., Rockville Sunday, Sept. 29 (rain date 10/13) Upper County Recreation Center 8201 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg Registration opens for the above classes on Monday, Aug. 12 and fill up fast. Register at waba.org/learntoride. Free Electric Scooter Classes for Adults  MCDOT is sponsoring two free scooter classes in September. Participants can take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic e-scooter laws. No registration needed, drop by anytime between 12-2 p.m. on: Saturday, Sept. 7 (rain date 9/21) Wheaton Ice Arena back parking lot 11717 Orebaugh Dr., Wheaton Sunday, Sept. 29, (rain date 10/13) Upper County Recreation Center 8201 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg Scooters will be provided free of charge. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license or ID. In-Person Public Workshop on Sidewalk Improvements for Sandy Spring Road (MD 198) in Burtonsville to be Held on Wednesday, Aug. 28 On Wednesday, Aug. 28, starting at 7 p.m., MCDOT will hold an in-person public workshop to discuss the proposed Sandy Spring Road (MD 198) sidewalk improvements in Burtonsville. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions. The planned project offers a 5-foot-wide, ADA-compliant, concrete sidewalk to fill the missing pedestrian link between Dino Dr. and McKnew Rd. in Burtonsville. The workshop will be held at Burtonsville Elementary School’s All Purpose Room located at 15516 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. At the public workshop, MCDOT will present the proposed project details, costs and schedules. Public input is encouraged and may influence the final project design. The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form or via email to the Project Manager, Khursheed Bilgrami at khursheed.bilgrami@montgomerycountymd.gov. All information provided will become a matter of public record. Nation’s Largest Renewable Energy Powered Zero- Emission Bus Depot to Open in Montgomery County in 2025 Construction has started on Maryland’s David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operation Center (EMTOC), an integrated microgrid infrastructure project that will be the largest renewable energy-powered transit depot microgrid in the U.S., as well as the first on the East Coast to produce sustainable hydrogen energy on-site. Montgomery County’s EMTOC is a major depot within Ride On Montgomery’s network and the fifth largest county-owned energy consumer. By 2035, EMTOC is projected to accommodate 200 zero-emissions buses, mostly hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). It will feature electric bus charging and on-site hydrogen production powered by solar and battery energy storage. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, when the system will begin sending renewable energy back to the grid and powering zero-emissions buses. The existing EMTOC depot will remain fully operational throughout its construction process, with no impact on transit services. Learn more here. Montgomery County is Seeking Community Feedback on the Jeremiah Park Development in Derwood, Through Sunday, Aug. 18 Montgomery County is working on a community engagement and land planning initiative to explore opportunities for the redevelopment of Jeremiah Park, a County-owned site located at 16651 Crabbs Branch Way in Derwood. The Shady Grove Sector Plan envisions the property as an inclusive, walkable community with a mix of uses. The County is exploring replacing the Montgomery County Public School bus depot currently on-site with a new, modern co-located bus depot that will support both MCPS and MCDOT Ride On buses as they transition to zero-emission vehicles. The plan also envisions mixed-use development highlighted by amenities and open space. This spring, the County solicited community feedback on preferences and priorities for development in the area. The project team has used that feedback to develop three concept options for the site and again needs public input to help guide the refinement of the plans. Community input is critical to shaping the future of this project and ensuring Jeremiah Park is a vibrant and welcoming community amenity. This survey is a key part of ongoing efforts to hear community voices and input and should take less than 10 minutes to complete. Take the survey online here. Sign up to receive updates at jeremiahparkproject.com. The public can also stop by anytime between 5 and 7:30 p.m. at the next open house on Monday, Sept. 9, at the Montgomery County Division of Highway Services building, located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Derwood. Registration is Open for Car Free Day, Monday, Sept. 23 Residents can now take the pledge to participate in Car Free Day on Monday, Sept. 23. Each entry will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes. This worldwide event encourages traveling in ways that are greener than driving alone, such as walking, riding a bicycle, using public transit such as bus or rail, joining a carpool or teleworking. Using more sustainable ways to get around helps reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. The more people that travel using alternative modes, the fewer greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. MCDOT’s Commuter Services team will be at various locations with free giveaways and pledge cards that can be filled out to enter a raffle drawing for prizes. Ride On will provide free fares in honor of Car Free Day on Sunday, Sept. 22. Plan your trip with the Trip Planner app.  Montgomery County Will Host Two New EV Fast Charging Sites in Silver Spring Montgomery County was recently selected by the Maryland Department of Transportation to host two EV charging stations as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Francis Energy, an Oklahoma-based EV charging installer and operator, was selected by the State to install and operate EV fast charging stations at two Silver Spring locations:  Colesville Park & Ride - 13504 New Hampshire Ave. Montgomery County Parking Lot 12 - 1920 Seminary Rd. The grant is part of a larger $12.1 million in federal funding the State received to expand electric vehicle charging sites under the NEVI program that aims to build a reliable nationwide EV charging network. This project supports Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan goals.  For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit  montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news to your mobile phone or email inbox. August 8, 2024 Follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky or Instagram. AUGUST CALENDAR Click on the above calendar to see what MCDOT is up to in August. Stop By MCDOT’s Booth at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, August 9-17 MCDOT will be on site every day between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. with transit information and giveaways. Save $10 on fair parking by taking the Ride On bus to the County Fair. View the nearest Ride On bus stops and routes online here. For information on the upcoming fair visit mcagfair.com. Follow @MCDOTNow fair activity on X, Facebook and Instagram. Transportation Schedule for the Labor Day Holiday, Monday, Sept. 2 MCDOT Offices - Closed. Ride On bus - Operating on a Sunday schedule. Ride On Flex and extRa bus - Not in service. Flash bus (Orange Line) - Operating on Weekend and Holiday schedule. TRiPS commuter store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. TRiPS Mobile Commuter store - Closed. Public parking in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton - Free. MCDOT Promotes Pedestrian Safety at MCPS Back-to-School Fair at Westfield Wheaton Mall, Saturday, Aug. 24 On Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the MCDOT Pedestrian Safety Team will participate in the Montgomery County Public School’s (MCPS) Back to School Fair at Westfield Wheaton (11160 Veirs Mill Rd.). The team will share tips for pedestrian and bike safety to prepare students for a safe school year. Attendees can also stop by the Flash booth to learn more about the Flash Bus Rapid Transit system. Free shuttles will be provided from Gaithersburg, Richard Montgomery, Montgomery Blair, Paint Branch and John F. Kennedy high schools. School Will Soon Be in Session – Always Stop for School Buses Be sure to always stop for school buses when their lights are flashing red and their stop arms are extended. Violators will get a ticket with a penalty of up to a $250 fine. View the Maryland school bus laws and safety tips here. Do You Have a Bike You No Longer Need? Save the Date for MCDOT’s Bike Donation Drive on Friday, Oct. 11 MCDOT staff will collect donated child and adult bikes on Friday, Oct. 11 between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. outside the Council Office Building parking garage, which is located at the corner of East Jefferson St. and Monroe St. in Rockville. MCDOT’s Bike Match program distributes the donated bikes to local kids and adults in need. Montgomery County works with Rockville Bike Hub, a non-profit organization that refurbishes the bikes for MCDOT's Bike Match MoCo program. Tax receipts will be available for donations. Shuttles to Serve Second Avenue for Duration of Detours Caused by Spring Street Bridge Rebuilding  Due to the closure and rebuilding of the Spring Street bridge in Silver Spring, Ride On routes 1, 5, 11, 18, and 28 have experienced detours that began Friday, June 7, and lasting until January 2025. To assist those impacted by the bridge closure, a free shuttle is providing service between Second Avenue and the Silver Spring Transit Center every 30 minutes in 2 shifts: midday (10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and evening (7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.). Learn more and view detour maps here. If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get A DUI. You can’t drive safely if you’re impaired. That’s why it’s illegal everywhere in America to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or any potentially impairing drug–prescribed or over the counter. Driving while impaired by any substance—legal or illegal—puts you and others in harm’s way. Learn the latest research on drug-impaired driving, misconceptions about marijuana use, and what you can do to make smarter choices to drive safely. Learn more here. There is Still Time to Discover Montgomery County with Ride On This Summer From picturesque parks to vibrant cultural events, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Montgomery County. Ride On has convenient bus routes that will take you to summer attractions. MCDOT MAINTAINING INFRASTRUCTURE MCDOT's concrete, paving, resurfacing and patching programs are seasonal activities, suspended from November to March/April. Residents can make requests for maintenance of County roads by calling MC 311 from within Montgomery County or 301-777-7311. A Greener Future: FTA FY23 Grants Provide 1.7 Billion to Put Better Buses on American Roads Watch this video that highlights Ride On bus service. Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

MCDOT's Go Montgomery! Transportation Newsletter - Thursday, Nov. 17

 

Holiday Season Marks Beginning of Dangerous Driving Period for Fatal Alcohol-Related Crashes The extended Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year. Additionally, the evening before Thanksgiving has historically been one of the busiest nights for bars and restaurants, with high drinking rates. MCDOT and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) are reminding residents that high-risk activities, combined with the sheer number of drivers on the road, make it an especially dangerous time for alcohol-related collisions.   Montgomery County annually implements a “Holiday Task Force” in which officers from multiple agencies devote full-time and attention to detecting alcohol-related offenses. The Holiday Task Force begins operations before Thanksgiving each year and runs through New Year’s Day. County Police will establish sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout the holiday period. The night before Thanksgiving is especially dangerous. Called “Blackout Wednesday,” “Drinksgiving” and “Whiskey Wednesday” by public safety agencies, the nicknames have come to describe a cultural phenomenon in which heavy drinking takes place, and as a result, drunk driving-related crashes increase. “Although gas prices are higher than they were a year ago, they have fallen since the summer peak,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “That, coupled with pandemic fears waning, will have friends and families especially excited to gather around the Thanksgiving table this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a record number of travelers taking to the road next week. That high number coupled with the fact that about 30 percent of all our roadway fatalities involve drunk drivers is staggering and the problem seems to be getting worse. Nationally, 2020 saw a 14 percent increase in drunk driving deaths compared to the year before. Impaired driving puts all roadway users at risk—and is completely preventable.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 185 people were killed during the 2020 Thanksgiving weekend (6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, through 5:59 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30). From 2016-20, nationally, 821 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday periods.  Each year, more than 20,000 people are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in Maryland. Penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Maryland could include jail time, significant fines, mandatory ignition interlock and license suspension.   The County’s Vision Zero effort to prevent death and injury on Montgomery County roadways offers a listing of local safe rides on its website here.  The County is asking parents to emphasize to youth under age 21 that underage drinking can lead to serious consequences. Information about how to help prevent underage drinking, through communication and creating an action plan, is available from the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking website.  Learn more here.  MCDOT Wins Michael F. Dwyer Excellence in Preservation Award MCDOT recently won the Montgomery Preservation Incorporated (MPI) 2021 Michael F. Dwyer Award for rehabilitating and preserving the historic Montevideo Road Bridge in Poolesville. MPI is Montgomery County’s nonprofit historic preservation organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the county’s architectural heritage and historic landscapes. MPI’s Board of Directors announced the winners at an awards event held on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Kensington Armory. The Montevideo Road bridge, constructed in 1910 across Dry Seneca Creek in Poolesville, is a one-lane Warren pony truss bridge on masonry abutments. While truss bridges were once standard in Maryland, this is the last remaining bridge of its kind in Montgomery County. It is in the National Register’s Seneca Historic District and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Montevideo Road is designated as an Exceptional Rustic Road and the bridge is a significant feature of the road. After a routine inspection uncovered a critical defect, MCDOT worked to repair the bridge and preserve it for future generations. MCDOT takes a systematic approach to bridge maintenance and performs routine maintenance on all 513 bridges in Montgomery County to discover, document, and correct structural vulnerabilities. Watch the awards video here.  Montgomery County High School Students Can Apply to MCDOT's ‘Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors’ Program to Improve Traffic Safety MCDOT is seeking up to 45 Montgomery County high school students to serve as “Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors.” The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, the importance of roadway design, law enforcement, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are now being accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 30. Interested public, private and home-schooled high school students can learn about the program and apply here. The program received 100 applications last year. The program supports the County’s Vision Zero Initiative, whose goal is to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths. Youth Ambassadors have an opportunity to help the County work toward the goal by becoming road safety leaders in their communities while earning 40 Student Service Learning credits. Learn more here. More Than 250 Montgomery County Residents Attended MCDOT-Sponsored Adult Bike and E-Scooter Safety Classes MCDOT recently completed the fall series of Adult Learn to Ride and Basic Skills bike classes and E-scooter Safety training classes. Combined, more than 250 residents participated and learned basic skills to safely navigate on a bicycle or an electric scooter. MCDOT partnered with the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) to lead six adult bike classes and with Bird, Lime and Spin to conduct four free e-scooter classes. Classes were held at different locations throughout the County. Classes will resume in spring 2023 and information will be posted on the MCDOT website at tinyurl.com/cycleclss in early February. Registration is required for the bike classes and spaces typically fill up fast. Walk-ups are welcome and no registration is required for the e-scooter trainings. Virtual Public Hearing on the Rehabilitation of the Brighton Dam Road Bridge in Brookeville to be Held on Wednesday, Nov. 30  On Wednesday, Nov. 30 starting at 7 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing to discuss the proposed construction to rehabilitate the Brighton Dam Road, Bridge No. M-0229, over Brighton Dam. At the virtual hearing, MCDOT will present the project details, costs and schedules and obtain public testimony. The 602-foot long 15-span bridge is in need of repairs to the concrete parapets, bridge deck joints, prestressed concrete beams, concrete abutment backwalls, streetlights, asphalt approach roadways and concrete sidewalks to enhance the safety of the traveling public and the integrity of the dam. Public input is encouraged and may influence final design plans.  Online registration is required to attend. Learn more here.  MCDOT Sponsors Annual Walk & Ride Challenge, Oct. 17 – Nov. 4 This year, MCDOT’s annual Walk & Ride Challenge had great results – more than 79 teams with nearly 290 participants competed 30,179,721 total steps, roughly 12,072 miles in the three-week challenge that raised morale, enhanced health and provided team-building benefits. The annual event encourages teams of three to five employees who work in the County’s Transportation Management District’s (TMD) to incorporate walking into their daily routines.  This year’s winners were: Friendship Heights, Washington Eye - 1,263,174 steps North Bethesda, NIH - 1,131,917 steps Silver Spring, Regal Majestic - 802,525 steps Greater Shady Grove, ABL, Inc. - 766,821 steps Bethesda,  ASHP Publishing  - 704,536 steps MCDOT Installs Additional EV Chargers in Parking Garages for Public Use MCDOT Parking currently has 44 charging spaces open to the public throughout the three Parking Lot Districts in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. Pepco is in the process of installing another 8 dual-port stations in Bethesda and Silver Spring, for an additional 16 charging spaces. They will be operational on a rolling basis, with an estimated completion date of early 2023. MCDOT Parking also purchased two stations for Garage 7 in Silver Spring that is expected to be delivered by the vendor, ChargePoint, in the next four to six weeks with installation to follow. For a list of available public EV charges within County facilities click here.  Wheaton Streetery Community Meeting to be Held on Monday, Dec. 6 An in-person community meeting will be held at 3 p.m. outdoors at the Wheaton Streetery. Attendees should meet at the corner of Price and Elkin Street. The Mid-County Regional Services Center and MCDOT are hosting the meeting to gather community feedback on the Wheaton Streetery for possible short-term changes. Residents May Be Able to Install an EV Charging Station in Front of Their Property Residents who do not have a driveway or space on their property to create a parking pad may be eligible to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the right-of-way in front of their property. Montgomery County DOT and Department of Permitting Services (DPS) worked together to draft guidelines and DPS is now accepting applications. For more information visit the DPS website and review the guidelines here. Prior to submitting an application, residents should email DPS Manager Atiq Panjshiri, for a free consultation to determine eligibility. Montgomery County Executive Elrich to Hold Hybrid Forums to Seek Input on FY 2024 Operating Budget Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, the County’s regional services offices and community partners will host eight hybrid forums in November and December to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget. Residents can attend the forums in person or view them via the internet.  Register for the next forum that will be held on Monday, Nov. 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center’s social hall located at 2450 Lyttonsville Road in Silver Spring. Learn more and view the forum schedules here. Maryland Declares Nov. 14-18 ‘Crash Responder Safety Week’ as Part of Effort to Protect First Responders Motorists are reminded of the new Move Over Law and urged to slow down when approaching traffic incidents or disabled vehicles. November 14-18 has been proclaimed Crash Responder Safety Week in Maryland, in support of a national effort to raise awareness of the critical role motorists play in keeping first responders safe. The campaign reminds motorists to stay alert, move over and slow down when approaching traffic incidents and first responders. Nationally, an average of 23 highway workers and one law enforcement officer are killed each month while performing their duties at a crash scene or roadway incident. In addition, one tow truck driver is killed alongside a roadway every six days, according to AAA. Amtrak Avoids Thanksgiving Shutdown, as Rail Unions Delay Strike Labor unions agreed to postpone strike action, averting disruption to travelers, commuters and shippers. A threatened nationwide railroad strike that could have stranded Amtrak riders during Thanksgiving — one of the busiest travel seasons of the year — has been averted for now. The date of a potential strike was pushed back from Nov. 20 to at least Dec. 4 by the railroad workers union, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The union’s members have rejected a settlement reached with freight railroads in September. Learn more here. MDOT MTA Offers Free CharmPass Fares This Week, Nov. 14 - 18 Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) celebrates Rider Appreciation Week. Whether you're a regular rider or new to taking transit, you can register to have your free fares pushed to your CharmPass, the mobile ticketing app for MDOT MTA transportation (Local Bus, Light RailLink, MARC Train, Metro SubwayLink and Commuter Bus). METRO UPDATES Metro Launches Silver Line Extension With Opening Ceremony; Welcomes Customers to #RideSilver to Six New Stations New rail connections to Washington Dulles International Airport, Reston, Herndon, and Eastern Loudoun County On Tuesday, Nov. 15 Metro celebrated the opening of the Silver Line Extension, connecting customers to six new stations, adding 11.4 miles of track to the Metrorail system, and beginning operations at a modern rail maintenance facility. The Silver Line Extension gives customers a new connection to Washington Dulles International Airport and new service between Reston, Va., and eastern Loudoun County. The grand opening also marks the completion of the Silver Line project, a generational infrastructure investment in Northern Virginia. Learn more here.  Metro Explores Silver Line “Express” Train That Saves Six Minutes Metro is looking at timing trains to create an “express” train that shaves five to six minutes off the total trip. Metro says an express train could only catch up with a train in front of it, not pass it, so it would have to time things correctly for it to work. Learn more here. Metro Red Line Service Adjustments This Weekend, Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 The Red Line can expect some slight disruptions due to track work: Trains will run every 10 minutes. Due to switch replacement, there will be no train service between Friendship Heights and Grosvenor. Trains will operate in two segments, from Shady Grove to Grosvenor and from Friendship Heights to Glenmont. The Bethesda and Medical Center stations will be closed, with free shuttle buses running as a replacement Metro Charts Course to Bring Rail Service Back to Normal By early next month, transit customers should see Metrorail wait times decrease significantly for the first time in more than a year, followed by another drop in the spring, Metro officials said Thursday as they released a plan for boosting service to pre-pandemic levels. The announcement came after last week’s compromise between Metro and the regulatory Washington Metrorail Safety Commission over the use of the transit agency’s troubled 7000-series rail cars. Transit officials mapped out how Metro could end a train shortage that has created long waits and led to overcrowding on some trains. Read the Washington Post article here. Temporary Closure of Takoma Park Bus Stop, Westbound on Philadelphia Avenue Near Cedar Avenue, Began Monday, Nov. 14 The bus stop located Westbound on Philadelphia Avenue (bus stop #24859), near Ceder Avenue at the Takoma Park Community Center, is temporarily closed for approximately one year for the Takoma Park Maryland Library reconstruction project. Riders will be directed to the next nearest stops at Maple Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue (F4 Metro bus) and Maple Avenue and Grant Avenue (17 Ride On bus). ROAD PROJECTS & CLOSURES Rockville Town Square Street Closures for Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 18 This Friday, Nov. 18 Maryland Avenue will be closed from E. Middle Lane to the Gold's Gym between 12 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for winter holiday tree lighting in Rockville. No vehicle traffic will be permitted on the street during this time. Access to the parking garage on Maryland Avenue at Beall Avenue will be maintained. WSSC Reopened Clopper Road in Germantown Clopper Road in Germantown reopened this morning, Thursday, Nov. 17 after crews fixed a 24-inch water main break that caused a large hole in the roadway. Learn more here. MCDOT’s White Flint Pike District (Formerly White Flint West) Project Update The White Flint Pike District project provides the new construction and reconstruction of highways and arterial roads including their intersections and the major relocations of the affected utilities within White Flint District. The vision for the White Flint District is to improve sidewalks, bikeways, trails, paths, public use space, parks and recreational facilities, mixed-use development, and enhanced streetscape and transit-oriented development around the Metro station.  Construction operations on the following roadways are complete: Old Georgetown Road north of the Nicholson Lane/Tilden Lane intersection to MD 355 (Rockville Pike) Executive Boulevard between the signalized entrance to 6000/6001 Executive Boulevard and Towne Road. Banneker Avenue from Old Georgetown Road to Grand Park Avenue. Grand Park Avenue from Banneker Avenue to Old Georgetown Road. The improvements at the intersection of Executive Boulevard and Marinelli Road are also finished. Read the latest project newsletter for additional construction activities here. Sign up to receive project updates here. For questions or concerns contact Paul Bender, Senior Resident Engineer at 301-343-1527 or email paul.bender@montgomerycountymd.gov. Purple Line Implements Long-Term Pedestrian Detour on Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) in Bethesda This week, a long-term pedestrian detour along Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) has been implemented around the Purple Line work zone. The crosswalk on Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) between Elm Street and Waverly Street is closed and a new crosswalk with signals at Elm Street is available for use. View the detour map here. Ride For Your Life Event to Honor Bethesda Woman Killed While Riding Bike, Saturday, Nov. 19 The Ride for Your Life, event will be held in memory of Sarah Langenkamp who was killed in August while biking in Bethesda, will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19. The 10-mile bike ride will aim to raise awareness about federal funding that could improve bicycle infrastructure and federal regulations that could increase safety. Learn more here. For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot and subscribe to receive MCDOT News to your email inbox or mobile phone. November 17, 2022 Holiday Schedule for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24 MCDOT offices - Closed. Ride On - Sunday schedule. Flash Orange line - Sunday scheduled. extRa and Flex - No service. TRiPS Commuter Store at SSTC - Closed. TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Closed. Parking - Free. Parking fees resume on Friday, Nov. 25. Metrorail - Sunday Holiday schedule (7 a.m. - midnight). Metrobus - Sunday schedule. MetroAccess - Closed. MTA Local Bus - Sunday Holiday schedule. Marc Train - No service. MTA Commuter Bus  (Route 201 Gaithersburg - BWI Business Dist.) - No service. MTA Transit Stores - Closed. AAA’s 2022 Thanksgiving Travel Forecast It’s turkey time. Are you planning on traveling for Thanksgiving? Whether you’re headed to family, friends or even a vacation destination, Thanksgiving travel is on the rise. AAA predicts 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, up 1.5% from 2021. This year is also projected to be the third-busiest Thanksgiving travel season since 2000. AAA defines the Thanksgiving holiday travel period as the five-day period from Wednesday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 27. MCDOT to Participate in Montgomery County’s Thanksgiving Parade at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Saturday, Nov. 19 The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will usher in the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 19, in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. for one mile along Ellsworth Drive, to and along Georgia Avenue, ending at Spring Street.  Come out and enjoy the marching bands, dancing groups, glittering floats and special appearance by Santa and his elves. Be sure to watch out for MCDOT’s Flash bus, Mobile Commuter Store and Zeal the pedestrian safety Zebra! NOTE: The Northbound and Southbound lanes of Georgia Avenue, from East-West Highway to Colesville Road will close between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. Traffic should detour to East West Highway, learn more here. February 2023 Slots are Open for Schools to Participate in MCDOT’s Walking Wednesdays Every Wednesday in the school year, MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School team will visit schools to conduct a 2-hour walking audit. Teams also distribute educational materials and safety giveaways to students. Educators can register their school to participate here. View past walking event photos here. MCDOT is scheduled to visit Highland Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 8:30 a.m. MCDOT and MCFRS Visited Select Bus Stops Near Local High Schools Following Daylight Savings Time Change to Promote Safety To ensure students' safety while walking to bus stops and traveling to and from schools, outreach teams from MCDOT and Fire and Rescue Services visited select bus stops last week near local high schools following the daylight savings time change on Sunday, Nov. 6, after school, between 2 - 3:30 p.m. Outreach teams gave out free glow sticks and other giveaways for students to ensure they are seen by drivers when it's dark. Outreach teams visited Gaithersburg, JFK, Blair, Northwest, Wheaton, Northwood, Seneca Valley and Springbrook high schools. MCDOT Continues Ride On Reimagined Efforts The Ride On Reimagined Study is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of Montgomery County’s transportation network. This current study is taking an in-depth look at the County’s existing and planned transit systems, including Metrobus and the Purple Line. Through data analysis and community engagement, the study will provide recommendations for system-wide bus service changes, including Ride On and Metrobus routes operating in Montgomery County, to address the current and future needs of the community. The Ride On reimagine team is currently conducting community focus groups throughout the County and is encouraging community feedback via the website here. MCDOT Completes Nation’s Largest Bus Microgrid and Charging Infrastructure Project in Silver Spring MCDOT completed the Brookville Smart Energy Depot located at 8710 Brookville Road in Silver Spring. The nation’s largest solar bus charging infrastructure project will supply clean energy to the MCDOT’s growing Ride On electric bus fleet. The first of its kind project will help move Montgomery County closer to meeting its goal of reducing GHG emissions to zero by 2035.  This resilient microgrid will provide uninterrupted power to MCDOT’s Ride On transit electric buses. MCDOT Hosts Senior Driver Safety Presentations Walking outside provides a lot of health benefits. With the weather changing and sunset coming earlier, it’s important for seniors to be aware of how these changes may affect their walking and driving habits. MCDOT's Pedestrian Safety team is visiting several community centers around the county this month to meet with seniors and share information and resources on how to identify the signs that make older drivers more vulnerable on the roads and how to travel more safely. The team recently presented safety presentations at Long Branch community center, Damascus and Margaret Schweinhaut senior centers. MCDOT Bridge Projects Brighton Dam Road Bridge (M-0229) Brookville Road Bridge (M-0083) Dennis Avenue Bridge (M-0194) Dorsey Mill Road Bridge Garrett Park Road Bridge (M-0352) Glen Road Bridge (M-0148)  Mouth of Monocacy Road Bridge (M-0043) Pooks Hill Road over Rock Creek Tributary Bridge (M-0357AX01) Zion Road Bridge over Hawlings River (M-0121) MCDOT Begins Culvert Replacement Project on Alloway Drive in Potomac Construction includes replacement of the existing storm drain culvert on Alloway Drive as well as headwall and wingwall replacement, stream restoration, landscaping, new asphalt paving and installation of a new chain link fence. MCDOT crews will work to minimize disruptions to surrounding residents and business communities. View the project website and newsletter for more details. Alloway Drive is closed and detours are in place. The State’s Deadline for Civil Penalty Waiver for Outstanding Video Tolls Ends Wednesday, Nov. 30 Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) customers are reminded that the Customer Assistance Plan offering a civil penalty waiver grace period for Video Tolls will expire after 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. With time running out, the MDTA encourages customers to check their account here and pay their tolls before the opportunity for a civil penalty waiver ends. Electric Vehicle Sales Rise as Registrations Jump 57% Through September A wider variety of EVs are now available from traditional automakers, with many more planned. Through the first nine months of this year, registrations for electric vehicles rose 57% compared to the same period last year, according to data from Experian Automotive cited by Automotive News. More than 530,000 new battery-electric vehicles were registered in the U.S. through September.  Read the Smart Cities Dive article here. Call 311 to Get it Done MC311 is Montgomery County Government’s Customer Service Center for all non-emergency County inquiries and services. Dial 311 in the County or 240-777-0311, 711 for MD Relay TTY, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., follow on Twitter @311MC311 or submit your request online at montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.