Go Montgomery - April 24, 2015

Leggett and Roshdieh Launch Program to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Public Parking Lots and Garages Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) Acting Director Al Roshdieh unveiled three new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with the capacity to charge six vehicles at the Bethesda Capital Crescent (Garage 31) public parking garage. Read more. Ride On Sponsors Teen Video Contest; Entries Due May 1 Montgomery County's Ride On bus system is looking for middle and high school students to help spread the word about its free and discounted kids programs by producing a fun and educational video about the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card, the Monthly Pass, and the Summer Pass. Winners could win bus passes for an entire year, Ride On gear, and the opportunity to have the video featured on the County's website, Montgomery County Cable Television and Ride On's YouTube channel. Read more. Two Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Area Meetings Planned for Next Week On Monday, April 27, Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a public workshop to answer questions about improvements being considered for the Grosvenor/Strathmore bicycle and pedestrian priority area. The improvements could include bulb-outs and sidewalk, curb and curb ramp reconstruction to meet Americans with Disabilities Act best practices.The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Garrett Park Elementary School cafeteria located at 4810 Oxford Street in Kensington, Maryland. Read more. State Bill Could Speed Up Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements  A state bill signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan requires the State Highway Administration (SHA) to act within a year of when Montgomery County designates a location as a Bicycle-Pedestrian Priority Area. SHA would then be required to ensure that the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians are taken into account during all phases of transportation planning, design, construction or expansion.  Read more. AAA Says Six in 10 Crashes Caused by Distracted Driving (Article Source: CBS Baltimore, March 25, 2015) A new study gives a rare glimpse to what goes on when teens take the wheel. Traffic officials say teen drivers have the highest crash rate out of any age group. Their distraction is more severe than ever reported and now a series of videos proves it. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with the University of Iowa to study the behind-the-wheel behavior of 16 to 19-year-old drivers. Researchers examined nearly 7,000 videos from cameras mounted in vehicles showing what drivers were doing seconds before impact and what was happening on the road. The study reveals distractions were a factor in 58% of crashes. Using a cell phone is behind many close calls. Looking away from the road or talking with passengers also led to collisions.  Read the full article with a link to a video compilation of teen distracted driving crashes online. May is Bicycle Safety Month To celebrate Bike Safety Month, why not consider sharing safety information and resources about biking with family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has materials and ideas available www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/BicycleSafety. April 24, 2015 In the Spotlight is a new occasional feature that will highlight some of MCDOT’s outstanding employees and the services they provide to the public Joseph M. Pospisil  (AKA “Joe”) has been with Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Division of Traffic Engineering and Operations for the past eight years.  Although Joes’ family resides in Iowa, MCDOT is fortunate to have him living and working here in Montgomery County. Read more. Upcoming Paving and Resurfacing Projects MCDOT will begin repairs and hot mix asphalt resurfacing of Parkland Drive, Aspen Hill and Randolph Road, between Georgia Avenue and Connecticut Avenue. Resurfacing on Parkland Drive begins in April and is expected to take about five weeks and work hours will be between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Work on Randolph Road will start in May and occur at night Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., to minimize traffic delays. The project is expected to take about six weeks, weather permitting. Read More. MCDOT's Division of Transit Services Now has YouTube Channel Check out Transit Services’ You Tube channel for information about Ride On and Commuter Services in the County.  ------------------- MCDOT Road Patching Featured in YouTube Video MCDOT’s Division of Highway Services has posted a short video on its YouTube Channel that explains how crews patch roads. Check it out online. Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation. Subscribe, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on the Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by   Department of Transportation of Montgomery County MD. Visit Go Montgomery to view more news.

In the Spotlight is a new occasional feature that will highlight some of MCDOT’s outstanding employees and the services they provide to the public.

Joseph M. Pospisil  (AKA “Joe”) has been with Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Division of Traffic Engineering and Operations for the past eight years.  Although Joes’ family resides in Iowa, MCDOT is fortunate to have him living and working here in Montgomery County. 

Joe has greatly improved safety around school zones and provides engineering and technical services in managing residential and non-residential parking issues, the permit parking program and traffic ordersHe also took the initiative to create geographic information maps that display traffic control devices, parking restrictions, and other elements that have greatly assisted Traffic Engineering staff.   He is a great asset to MCDOT -- thank you Joe!

Ride On Sponsors Teen Video Contest; Entries Due May 1

Montgomery County's Ride On bus system is looking for middle and high school students to help spread the word about its free and discounted kids programs by producing a fun and educational video about the Youth Cruiser SmarTrip Card, the Monthly Pass, and the Summer Pass. Winners could win bus passes for an entire year, Ride On gear, and the opportunity to have the video featured on the County's website, Montgomery County Cable Television and Ride On's YouTube channel.

Email entries to rideon.customerservice@montgomerycountymd.gov or upload them toDrop box by May 1.

For more information, including the contest flyer, rules, and entry form, visit Ride On Kids Ride Free webpage.

Two Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Area Meetings Planned for Next Week

On Monday, April 27, Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a public workshop to answer questions about improvements being considered for the Grosvenor/Strathmore bicycle and pedestrian priority area. The improvements could include bulb-outs and sidewalk, curb and curb ramp reconstruction to meet Americans with Disabilities Act best practices. The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Garrett Park Elementary School cafeteria located at 4810 Oxford Street in Kensington, Maryland.

MCDOT will also hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 30 to obtain public input on pedestrian and bicycle improvement designs for Tuckerman Lane. The meeting will be held from 7:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at the Winston Churchill High School cafeteria located at 11300 Gainsborough Road in Potomac, Maryland.

Leggett and Roshdieh Launch Program to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Public Parking Lots and Garages

 

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) Acting Director Al Roshdieh unveiled three new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with the capacity to charge six vehicles at the Bethesda Capital Crescent (Garage 31) public parking garage. Garage 31 is the first to be completed in MCDOT’s program to install additional EV stations in 11 County parking garages and lots over the next few months capable of charging 26 vehicles. MCDOT will then expand the EV program to a total of 24 facilities with the capacity to charge more than 50 vehicles. Read more.

The newly opened Capital Crescent Parking Garage in Bethesda, Maryland has 1,250 parking spaces including six spots, reserved for Electric Vehicle charging.

MCDOT’s Division of Transit Services Now has YouTube Channel

Check out Transit Services’ You Tube channel for information about Ride On and Commuter Services in the County. 

MCDOT Road Patching Featured in YouTube Video

MCDOT’s Division of Highway Services has posted a short video on its YouTube Channel that explains how crews patch roads. Check it out online.

Upcoming Paving and Resurfacing Projects

MCDOT will begin repairs and hot mix asphalt resurfacing of Parkland Drive, Aspen Hill and Randolph Road, between Georgia Avenue and Connecticut Avenue. Resurfacing on Parkland Drive begins in April and is expected to take about five weeks and work hours will be between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Work on Randolph Road will start in May and occur at night Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., to minimize traffic delays. The project is expected to take about six weeks, weather permitting.

A residential resurfacing project in the Brookedale neighborhood of Bethesda is planned to begin this month. MCDOT’s Highway Services will remove and replace distressed pavement areas and repave with hot mix asphalt. The project is expected to take about four weeks to complete, weather permitting. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

State Bill Could Speed Up Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements

 A state bill signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan requires the State Highway Administration (SHA) to act within a year of when Montgomery County designates a location as a Bicycle-Pedestrian Priority Area. SHA would then be required to ensure that the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians are taken into account during all phases of transportation planning, design, construction or expansion.  Read more.

AAA Says Six in 10 Crashes Caused by Distracted Driving

(Article Source: CBS Baltimore, March 25, 2015)

A new study gives a rare glimpse to what goes on when teens take the wheel. Traffic officials say teen drivers have the highest crash rate out of any age group. Their distraction is more severe than ever reported and now a series of videos proves it. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with the University of Iowa to study the behind-the-wheel behavior of 16 to 19-year-old drivers. Researchers examined nearly 7,000 videos from cameras mounted in vehicles showing what drivers were doing seconds before impact and what was happening on the road. The study reveals distractions were a factor in 58% of crashes. Using a cell phone is behind many close calls. Looking away from the road or talking with passengers also led to collisions.

See the full article with a link to a video compilation of teen distracted driving crashes online.

May is Bicycle Safety Month

To celebrate Bike Safety Month, why not consider sharing safety information and resources about biking with family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has materials and ideas available www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/BicycleSafety.

Go Montgomery News - April 17, 2015

Montgomery County Celebrates April as Earth Month! Join the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection in celebrating not only Earth Day on April 22, but also Earth Month throughout April by volunteering for stream cleanups throughout the County. Volunteers will help remove trash and larger debris while learning about local waterways and enjoying the natural environment. Read More. For more green news and events in Montgomery County Click Here. Ride On's Give and Ride Program Provides Free Rides to Those Who Donate Food:This Year’s Program Runs April 19 through August 25 Ride On's Give and Ride community service program will be held this year from Sunday, April 19 to Saturday, April 25. Ride On passengers get a free trip by donating non-perishable food or children’s food items (plastic containers preferred) right on the bus. All donations go to Manna Food Center and area families. The number of hungry families in need continues to rise. Donations will support the Smart Sacks program, which helps local children and families on weekends and other times when school-sponsored meals are not available. Read More. Two State Highway Administration Projects Making Improvements in the Bethesda Area This spring, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a resurfacing project on East-West Highway (MD 410), from Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) to Connecticut Avenue (MD 185). The work will resurface the roadbed, replace damaged sidewalks, upgrade curb ramps, replace damaged and deteriorated curbs and gutters and construct signal improvements at several intersections. Read More. MCDOT Honors "Stand Up 4 Transportation" National Infrastructure Day Montgomery County joined hundreds of local transit organizations across the nation by engaging congressional leaders and urging them to pass a bill for long-term transportation funding to replace the expiring MAP-21 legislation. Read more. Cedar Lane Detour Ends for Ride On Route 34 Ride On bus route 34 (Friendship Heights-Kensington) has resumed using Cedar Lane in both directions, rather than detouring around Cedar Lane via Beach Drive and Jones Bridge Road. The months-long detour was needed during construction of a state highway administration project to improve traffic and pedestrian access at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Cedar Lane.  SHA Continues MD 190 (River Road) Safety and Resurfacing Project this Spring The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is starting a $3.1 million safety and resurfacing project along MD 190 (River Road) from I-495 (Capital Beltway) to MD 614 (Goldsboro Road) in Bethesda. Weather permitting; the project should be completed in late summer 2015. Remaining work will upgrade sidewalks to meet ADA requirements, reconstruct traffic signals, install audible pedestrian signals, replace damaged curb and gutter, fix drainage issues, replace two linear miles of guardrail, patch and resurface all traffic lanes and apply new pavement markings. APRIL 17, 2015 Division of Highway Services Begins Street Sweeping To improve water quality, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Division of Highway Services began street sweeping on April 13 to keep dirt, sand and debris out of streams, particularly in sensitive watershed areas. Last year, more than 1,000 tons of potential pollutants were removed from 4,000 lane miles of roads.  The program is a joint effort between MCDOT and Department of Environmental Protection,  Read More. MCDOT Begins Road Patching and Resurfacing Projects Two full-depth, permanent patching projects on residential roads will begin in April; one in Germantown in the Waters Landing neighborhood and the other in Silver Spring in the Carroll Knolls neighborhood. MCDOT will remove and replace distressed pavement areas and repave with hot mix asphalt. Both projects will take about five weeks to complete, weather permitting.   Read More. Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

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Visit Go Montgomery to view more news.

Montgomery County celebrates April as Earth Month!

Join the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection in celebrating not only Earth Day on April 22, but also Earth Month throughout April by volunteering for stream cleanups throughout the County. Volunteers will help remove trash and larger debris while learning about local waterways and enjoying the natural environment. Read More.

For more green news and events in Montgomery County Click Here.

Two State Highway Administration Projects Making Improvements in the Bethesda Area

This spring, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a resurfacing project on East-West Highway (MD 410), from Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) to Connecticut Avenue (MD 185). The work will resurface the roadbed, replace damaged sidewalks, upgrade curb ramps, replace damaged and deteriorated curbs and gutters and construct signal improvements at several intersections.

Motorists should expect temporary lane closures in each direction on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and overnight, Sunday through Thursday, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. SHA continues to upgrade River Road (MD 190), from the Beltway to Goldsboro Road. Improvements include sidewalk ramps, a reconstructed and upgraded traffic signal at the intersection of MD 190 and MD 188, audible pedestrian and countdown signals at MD 190 and Whittier Boulevard/Winston Drive, new  curbs and gutters, cleaned drainage inlets, two miles of new guardrails along MD 190 and road resurfacing.

There may be single lane closures on eastbound River Road on weekdays from  5 to 7a.m. and 10 to 9p.m,, and overnight, seven days a week, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. For the westbound lanes, motorists should expect single lane closures weekdays from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m and 6 to 9p.m., and overnight, seven days a week, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. SHA expects to complete the work in late summer.

Statement of Montgomery County Department of Transportation Acting Director Al Roshdieh Concerning the M-83 (MidCounty Corridor) Study

Last month, the Montgomery County Council T&E (Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment) Committee directed the Department of Transportation (MCDOT) to forward its report recommending a preferred alignment for M-83 to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Department of the Environment for review. The report, which was completed last year, assesses nine alternative alignments for north/south travel in the Clarksburg area, including the preferred option currently in the transportation master plan. Because the permitting agencies are reviewing the report’s recommendations, questions have arisen about MCDOT’s position on this road, so I would like clarify the position of the County Executive and my own position.

The County Executive does not support building this road, he did not recommend the preferred alternative, nor was it an option that I as MCDOT acting director recommended. Further, there is no funding proposed for the project in the County’s capital budget.

The study, “Draft Preferred Alternative/Conceptual Mitigation Report” (PA/CM) was conducted before the Route 355 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was in the master plan, and therefore it was not considered as one of the alternatives. If BRT is considered, I believe the results of the PA/CM study and its recommended alternative could be significantly different. I strongly endorse this reassessment.

During my three months as MCDOT Acting Director, I continue to look for ways to promote a broader view of mobility in Montgomery County that is not necessarily wedded to building more roads. Taking a fresh look at various options to M-83, including the Route 355 BRT, is an important step in my vision for this department.  Read More.

Ride On's Give and Ride Program Provides Free Rides to Those Who Donate Food:This Year’s Program Runs April 19 through April 25

Ride On's Give and Ride community service program will be held this year from Sunday, April 19 to Saturday, April 25. Ride On passengers get a free trip by donating non-perishable food or children’s food items (plastic containers preferred) right on the bus. All donations go to Manna Food Center and area families. The number of hungry families in need continues to rise. 

Donations will support the Smart Sacks program, which helps local children and families on weekends and other times when school-sponsored meals are not available. Read More.

MCDOT Honors "Stand Up 4 Transportation" National Infrastructure Day

U.S. Representatives John Delaney and John Sarbanes joined MCDOT Acting Director Al Roshdieh, MCDOT Division of Transit
Services Chief Carolyn Biggins attended the “Stand Up 4 Transportation” event.  

On April 9, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) celebrated "Stand Up 4 Transportation" National Infrastructure Day by joining hundreds of local transit organizations across the nation to urge congressional leaders to pass a bill for long-term transportation funding to replace the expiring MAP-21 legislation.  Federal transportation monies help fund new Ride On buses, Metrorail, the future Purple Line, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and other critical projects.

Congressional leaders were invited for a tour of the LEED Gold Certified Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operations Center (EMTOC) in Rockville.

Division of Highway Services Begins Street Sweeping

To improve water quality, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Division of Highway Services began street sweeping on April 13 to keep dirt, sand and debris out of streams, particularly in sensitive watershed areas. Last year, more than 1,000 tons of potential pollutants were removed from 4,000 lane miles of roads. 

The program is a joint effort between MCDOT and Department of Environmental Protection, Read More.

MCDOT Begins Road Patching and Resurfacing Projects

Two full-depth, permanent patching projects on residential roads will begin in April; one in Germantown in the Waters Landing neighborhood and the other in Silver Spring in the Carroll Knolls neighborhood. MCDOT will remove and replace distressed pavement areas and repave with hot mix asphalt. Both projects will take about five weeks to complete, weather permitting.   Read More.

Cedar Lane Detour Ends for Ride On Route 34

Ride On bus route 34 (Friendship Heights-Kensington) will resume using Cedar Lane in both directions, rather than detouring around Cedar Lane via Beach Drive and Jones Bridge Road.

The months-long detour was needed during construction of a state highway administration project to improve traffic and pedestrian access  at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Cedar Lane. 

SHA Continues MD 190 (River Road) Safety and Resurfacing Project this Spring

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is starting a $3.1 million safety and resurfacing project along MD 190 (River Road) from I-495 (Capital Beltway) to MD 614 (Goldsboro Road) in Bethesda, Montgomery County. Weather permitting; the project should be complete in late summer 2015.

Remaining work includes sidewalk upgrades to meet ADA requirements, reconstruct traffic signals, install audible pedestrian signals, replace damaged curb and gutter and fix drainage issues, replace two linear miles of guardrail and patch and resurface all traffic lanes and apply new pavement markings.

Go Montgomery April 2, 2015

MCDOT Acting Director Al Roshdieh Attends GreenFest; States His Mission is to Move People On March 28, MCDOT Acting Director Al Roshdieh was interviewed by WTOP at the department's GreenFest exhibit. During the interview, Roshdieh discussed the County's plans for a rapid transit system and the progress that has been made on expanding alternative transportation, including Bikeshare and pedestrian access and safety. Roshdieh said, "My mission is to move people, not cars." Read the full story. Leggett and Roshdieh Announce Launch of Transit Screen Initiative by MCDOT; Information Screens Show Real Time, Location-Based Transportation Alternatives Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Acting Director Al Roshdieh announced the launch of a transit screen project for public buildings that provides real-time information about all types of transportation options that are available near a particular location. The MCDOT initiative has installed two screens in Rockville, one in the Executive Office Building and one in the Council Office Building. MCDOT hopes to expand the program to regional service centers, libraries, recreation centers and other County facilities. Read more. MCDOT Begins Road Patching and Resurfacing Projects Full-depth, permanent patching and residential resurfacing projects are underway in Olney and Bethesda. Read more. Montgomery County to Begin Residential Street Sweeping April 6 Montgomery County’s residential roadways will get a spring cleaning with the launch of the annual street sweeping program on about 4,000 of the County’s 5,000 lane miles of roads will get a spring cleaning with the launch of the annual street sweeping program. This joint effort between the Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) removes 1,000 tons of debris left behind after the winter snow season to improve water quality. Read more. Roshdieh Joins Leggett, MDOT Secretary Rahn and SHA Administrator Peters to Promote Safety Awareness in Work Zones During National Work Zone Awareness Week, Montgomery County Department of Transportation Acting Director Al Roshdieh joined County Executive Isiah Leggett and State Highway Administrator Melinda Peters to raise awareness about driving safely through live construction zones. Last year, nine people were killed in Maryland work zone-related crashes. During the last five years, there have been more than 8,000 work zone-related crashes contributing to more than 3,600 injuries. Read more. SHA Making Storm Water Improvements on US 29 The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) recently began a $1.1 million storm water management improvement project on US 29 (Colesville Road/Columbia Pike) between the US 29/MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) interchange and Industrial Parkway in Silver Spring. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed in late summer. Read more. April 2, 2015 Follow MCDOT on Twitter During Earth Month; Learn More about the Department’s Green Initiatives During April, which is Earth Month, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Twitter feed will feature daily posts about the department’s sustainable initiatives and activities. Discover more about the department’s goal to promote alternative transportation through walking, biking, transit and carpooling as it provides services in a way that reduces the County’s environmental footprint. Follow us on Twitter:@MCDOTNow.  Bike to Work Day Registration Now Open; May 15 Event Will Feature 15 Pit Stops in Montgomery County Montgomery County Commuter Services, Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association are sponsoring this year’s Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15. More than 10,000 area commuters are expected to participate in the free celebration of bicycling as a fun and healthy way to get to work. Drop in at one of 79 pit stops throughout Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia for refreshments and a chance to win bicycles and other prizes. Read more.

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