MCDOT's Transportation Go Montgomery! Newsletter - August 12, 2020

State and Federal Agencies to Hold In-Person and Virtual Joint Public Hearings in August and September on I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Study The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will jointly host two in-person and four virtual public hearings in August and September on the I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Study Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The managed lanes study is examining the feasibility of adding tolled lanes to portions of I-495 and I-270. Virtual public hearing dates are scheduled for August 18, 20, 25, and September 3. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will participate in the virtual public hearing on Tuesday, August 25. One in-person event each is scheduled in Montgomery (September 10) and Prince George’s counties (September 1). For both the in-person and virtual public hearings, residents will have three minutes to provide testimony and registration is required in advance. Hearing materials can be viewed at the document availability locations or on the event page website. MCDOT Expands Ride On Bus Service MCDOT increased bus service across the County to include some level of service on all Ride On and Ride On Extra-branded routes, although trip frequencies and hours remain reduced. Flex bus remains suspended. Visit the schedule webpage for detailed information montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/schedules.html.  MCDOT encourages essential trips only. Passengers are required to wear a face covering to board and must continue wearing the covering for their entire trip. All buses will supply face coverings for those who cannot provide their own. Maintain maximum physical distance between other riders. Board at the rear door of the bus, except for those who require ramp access. Ride On services remain free.   MCDOT Works With COVID Corps Youth Employees  MCDOT now has Covid Corps youth employees stationed at the Silver Spring Transit Center on weekday mornings and afternoons to provide Ride On and other transportation program information. These transit ambassadors also help to monitor MCDOT's e-scooter pilot program in the Silver Spring business district to ensure that the vehicles are properly parked, answer questions and report to MCDOT on observed use of the e-scooters. MCDOT is glad to have their support and to support youth employment opportunities during the health crisis. Stop and say hello if you see them out and about in their green shirts, and feel free to ask them transportation questions or share your feedback with them.   MCDOT's Streetlight Conversion Yields Financial Savings and Reduces GHG Emissions MCDOT recently completed its Countywide conversion of streetlights from predominately high pressure sodium (HPS) to light-emitting diode (LED). LED streetlights offer many benefits, including greater energy efficiency and longer life expectancy. While they are slightly more expensive up-front, LEDs are more cost-effective in the long-run. Read Julia Henderson's article from MyGreenMontgomery.org.   State Highway Administration Begins Project on River Road Designed to Improve Safety; Drivers Should Expect Traffic Delays Drivers are advised that they may encounter traffic delays on River Road (MD 190) as the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) constructs a $1.9 million roadway safety improvement project between Braeburn Parkway and Pyle Road in Bethesda. There will be temporary single-lane closures on weekdays between 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. and multiple-lane closures overnight between 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. until Spring 2021. Learn more.   Metro to Increase Service Starting August 16 Metro will add more buses, more trains, and more hours of service in August, restoring most service to pre-Covid levels. On August 16, Metrorail will add 15 hours more service per week, with opening times returning to normal and the system closing two hours later each night in anticipation of potential increases in ridership after Labor Day. Read the press release.   Metro Red Line Closures Planned Through Friday Red Line customers should allow additional travel time as Metro performs around-the-clock track work. The Medical Center and Bethesda Metrorail stations will be closed through August 14. Free shuttle buses will replace trains between the Grosvenor-Strathmore and Friendship Heights stations, with stops at the Medical Center and Bethesda stations. Learn more at ow.ly/sCJW30r30Ec.   MCDOT's Bike Match Program Needs Bike Donations Do you have a bike you no longer use? Bike Match MoCo is a new, free service that enables people with extra or unused bicycles to be matched with individuals who have expressed a need for bicycles for essential travel. More than 300 residents have requested bikes. Please fill out the online form if you are able to help by making a donation. Visit ow.ly/juwB30r2S7e.   Ride On’s Executive Administrative Assistant, Nikkia Carver Recognized for Outstanding Service Every week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Kleine recognize County employees who are “High Risers” -- those who have risen to the challenge of the COVID-19 health crisis. MCDOT is very proud that Executive Administration Assistant NikKia Carver has been recognized for her hard work and commitment in providing our community exceptional service. Learn more.   MCDOT Construction Project Temporarily Closes Section of Matthew Henson Trail in Aspen Hill Culvert repair will close a section of the Matthew Henson Trail at Turkey Branch Parkway and Grenoble Drive. For more information visit ow.ly/D3nG30r2bqJ.   MDTA Tolls are Now All Electric Full-time, all-electronic tolling is now permanent at Maryland Transportation Authority facilities statewide. With all-electronic tolling, drivers do not stop to pay tolls, preventing delays, reducing congestion and climate impacts, and reducing overall travel time. Instead, tolls are collected through E-ZPass and video tolling. The state is urging motorists to sign up with E-ZPass Maryland to pay tolls electronically at ezpassmd.com. Learn more.   Are You Prepared for the Next Summer Storm? Hurricane Isaias hit Montgomery County last week and MCDOT staff activated its Storm Operations Center to support safety across the County. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Make sure you are prepared for the next storm: Sign up to receive emergency communications through Alert Montgomery, Take time to view these storm preparation tips,  Prepare an emergency kit. MEMA reminds Maryland residents to make sure emergency kits include at least 2 face coverings for each person, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and other COVID-19 related supplies in addition to the usual disaster supply kit components. Be sure to check @MCDOTNow on Twitter for real-time updates on impacted roadways, bus routes, or subsequent cleanup efforts.   Transportation in the Region is at a Crossroads; From Metro Funding Crisis to Telework’s Rise, Transportation is in Historic Turmoil A historic drop in transit ridership and a sudden shift to teleworking thanks to the pandemic have caused an unprecedented level of financial hardships for transit systems across the US. How these system recovered will depend on the availability of aid from the federal government and to what extent telework continues after the pandemic. Read Washington Post August 10 article by Robert McCartney.   Maryland Congressional Delegation Requests $32 Billion More Relief Funding for U.S. Transit System Maryland’s congressional delegation is asking for an additional $32 billion in coronavirus relief funding for U.S. public transit systems. Read Baltimore Sun July 31 article by Colin Campbell. August 12, 2020 Please Fill Out Your Census Form to Help Montgomery County Per the Census Bureau, the date to complete your Census has been moved up to September 30. One in four households have not yet responded to the census – that means that Montgomery County could lose out on $4.6 billion in federal funding over the next 10 years for schools, hospitals, roads and social services. It is vitally important that everyone participate by September 30. Learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/ census or respond now.  Residents Reminded to Wear Face Coverings  Ride On buses supply a face covering to riders who do not have one. MCDOT has distributed more than 170,000 face coverings to passengers since the start of COVID19 health crisis. MCDOT Public Service Continues During Health Crisis  MCDOT essential work crews have continued to provide public services throughout the pandemic, such as road paving, sidewalk construction, bus operations, streetlights and traffic signal maintenance and so much more. Reminder for Capital Crescent Trail Users The Capital Crescent Trail at Little Falls Parkway is closed temporarily for construction of an elevated crosswalk. The project is expected to take several weeks. Look for detour on trail. For more information visit ow.ly/KRJM30qZzf0. WABA Offers Online Resources for Purchasing and Maintaining Your Bike Check out this great online resource from WABA on "How to Buy a Bike". The bike you select should feel comfortable for your body, fit your budget, and make you happy to ride.  Also, on August 13 join WABA for an online class at 12 p.m.  WABA's Bike Ambassadors will walk you through how to do an ABC quick check on your bike. Learn how to perform some basic bike maintenance to make sure your bike is in good condition for your next ride. Did You Know? Are you interested in using both your bike and Ride On bus service during your commute or essential trip? Here's a short video on "How to load and unload your bike on a Ride On bus bike rack" Did you know Metro buses use the same rack system? Watch the video at ow.ly/UfLZ30r3PX0. Are You Carpooling or Using Other Shared Transportation Like a Shuttle or Bus to Get to Work? Learn how to protect yourself and riders from #COVID19 while on the move visit go.usa.gov/xfEBq. Are You Wearing Your Face Mask Correctly? Masks are required to ride public transportation, when carpooling and carsharing. A properly fitted mask covers both your mouth and nose. Watch Officer Dr. Travis Gayles demonstrate how to wear a face covering online at buff.ly/3kxL4rj. For Transportation Updates Visit MCDOT's COVID-19 website at montgomerycountymd.gov /DOT/covid19.html. If you have issues in your neighborhood such as down tree, sidewalk damage, pot hole, overgrowth foliage blocking signage call 311 (from outside the County dial 240-777-0311) or report it online at  montgomerycountymd.gov/311. Vision Zero Offers Resources for Most Common Issues The Vision Zero website provides access to the most common MC311 service requests for sign, streetlight and signal issues, street, curb and sidewalk repairs, speed cameras and more, as well as links to relevant State and city websites.  Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

Needwood Road Bike Path Opens

Pictured are (from left to right) Bill Michie, Rockville Citizens Bicycle Advisory Committee member; Maryland Department of Transportation Charles Glass; Washington Area Bicyclists Association Board Member Peter Gray; MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh; Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett; WABA Member Joe Fritsch; County Councilmember Hans Riemer and MCDOT Needwood Road Bike Trail Project Manager Rebecca Park.

County Executive Ike Leggett, MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh and others celebrated the opening of the Needwood Road Bike Path, Phase I, that provides access to the Shady Grove Metro Station and connects to the Rock Creek Regional Trail from the Intercounty Connector (ICC) Trail. Read more.

Public Invited to Provide Input on Georgetown Branch Trail Interim Route on March 15

During construction of the Purple Line and Capital Crescent Trail, the existing Georgetown Branch Trail will be closed to ensure public safety.  MCDOT is seeking public input on a proposed interim trail route at an open house planned for Wednesday, March 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room B of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda.

Coming Soon: Improvement Projects on the Capital Crescent Trail

Use caution at all times at trail crossing.

Two projects are starting on the Capital Crescent Trail:

1. Montgomery Parks will begin safety improvements in late December at the Little Falls Parkway and the Capital Crescent Trail crossing. Look for a new traffic pattern; Little Falls Parkway will merge from two lanes to one each way in the vicinity of the intersection and the speed limit will change from 35 mph to 25 mph.  Additional signs alerting motorists of pedestrians and bicyclists will also be installed. Read more.
   
   
2. In November, PEPCO crews began a three-month electric infrastructure replacement project with a mobile work zone from River Road to MacArthur Boulevard. The trail is open during construction, but bikers and walkers are advised to use caution when traveling through the designated work zone areas.

New traffic pattern to be installed at Little Falls Parkway and CCT

SHA to Begin Bethesda Trolley Trail Improvement Project

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has awarded a contract to construct a 10-foot-wide, shared use, hiker-biker path along Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) that will connect with the Bethesda Trolley Trail section north of McKinley Street. Construction will begin this summer and is expected to be completed by December of this year.

SHA is also making improvements at MD 187 and Cedar Lane and is installing an eight-foot trail section between Alta Vista Road and Charles Street.

Once the Bethesda Trolley Trail project and Cedar Lane projects are completed, there will be a continuous trail along MD 187 from Charles Street to north of McKinley Street.

SHA Begins Sligo Creek Trail Improvements in Montgomery County; Upgrades Include New Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Realignments

Hikers and cyclists who use a popular trail in Montgomery County will soon enjoy an improved walk or ride in Takoma Park.  The Maryland Department of Transportation’sState Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $1.9 million bicycle and pedestrian improvement project in the southeast quadrant of the MD 320 (Piney Branch Road) and Sligo Creek Parkway intersection.  Weather permitting, construction will be complete by the end of the year. More.

Final Design Selected for CCT-to-Little Falls Trail Connector

The route Montgomery's planning department is recommending for connecting the two trails.

A connector trail between the Little Falls Trail and the Capitol Crescent Trail now has a final design. A connector trail between the Little Falls Trail and the Capitol Crescent Trail now has a final design. See Park and Planning’s recommendation to the Planning Board. Read more.

Public Hearing on Abandonment of Small Portion of Brink Road Right-of-Way Scheduled for January 27

MCDOT is proposing to abandon for public use a small portion of the right-of-way, comprised of 1,831 square feet, at the intersection of Brink Road and Frederick Road (MD 355) in Clarksburg as part of an intersection improvement project that will realign Brink Road to improve sight lines and traffic safety.

Residents can provide comments on this change at a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, at 7 p.m., Executive Office Building, Lobby Auditorium, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville.

Comments will also be accepted by letter, fax, or email:

Michael Cassedy

Department of Transportation

100 Edison Park Drive, 4th floor

Gaithersburg MD 20878

Phone: 240-777-7254

Fax: 240-777-7259

Email: michael.cassedy@montgomerycountymd.gov

Work on Park Trails Underway

Bikers and runners should use caution while improvements are being made this fall on several trails in Montgomery Parks:

• Capital Crescent Trail south of Dorset Avenue to the Washington, DC line. Tree work is underway. Trail access will be intermittently interrupted.
  
• Rock Creek Hiker-Biker Trail between Franklin Street and Knowles Avenue. Storm water management work may intermittently close the trail.  Follow detours.
  
• Paint Branch Trail between Randolph Road and Fairland Road. Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission work is underway.

More information on Montgomery Parks trails is available online. 

Montgomery Parks Invites Public to a Meeting on September 16 about Proposed Changes to the Countywide Park Trails Plan

Montgomery Parks is planning a comprehensive amendment to the Countywide Park Trails Plan that uses updated methodologies, tools and strategies to plan and implement major park trail systems throughout the County. Parks invites the public to hear more at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 16 at 7 p.m. at the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission Montgomery Parks Shady Grove Maintenance Yard Training Room (enter under the green awning), 16641 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville. Read more.

Montgomery Parks Begins Installing Signs along Rock Creek Hiker-Biker Trail

Rock Creek Trail Signage

Montgomery Parks has begun installing trail signage along the 14-mile Rock Creek hiker-biker trail and its hard-surface trail connectors from Lake Needwood to the District of Columbia border. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 30. Read more.