Friday, November 20, 2015

Go Montgomery - November 20, 2015


Go Montgomery

YouthSafetyPresentation

MCDOT, MCPD and MCPS Brief the County Council on the County’s Youth Pedestrian Safety Programs

On November 17, the County Council invited County agencies responsible for youth pedestrian safety and school transportation to present an update on their activities. Read more.

streetsmartrideon

Regional Street Smart Campaign Offers Tips to Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists on Staying Safe

The region's Street Smart safety campaign is offering tips for staying safe this fall and winter. Every year, crashes involving pedestrians spike during October, November and December. Read more.

leavesstormdrain

MCDOT and DEP Remind Residents to Keep Leaves out of Storm Drains and Streams

With Highway Services’ annual leaf vacuum collection program underway, both MCDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) remind residents to help keep leaves out of storm drains.  Read more.

needwoodroad

MCDOT to Begin Constructing Needwood Road Bike Path

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Division of Transportation Engineering (DTE), has begun construction of the Needwood Road Bike Path, located on the south side of Needwood Road from Redland Road to Deer Lake Road. Read more.

bikesharerockvilleKiosk

New Capital Bikeshare Members Can Now Use Credit or Debit Cards as their "Key"

Capital Bikeshare has unveiled a new feature that will provide faster access to its system for new members and make it more convenient for existing members. The innovative “Card as Key” feature allows new Capital Bikeshare members to immediately begin checking out bikes at any station in the system by using the credit or debit card they charged to purchase their membership. Previously, new members had to wait until they received their keys in the mail before they could begin riding. Read more.

shasmall

SHA Begins Drainage Project on Connecticut Avenue

On November 30 (weather permitting), the State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a drainage improvement project to construct new channel gutters along southbound Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase at the intersections of Woodbine Street and Blackthorn Street. The project will address community concerns about standing water after rainstorms. Read more.

fhwa3

Tell FHWA You Want Safer Designs for City Streets

Tuesday, November 17, 2015: Article by Angie Schmitt in Streetsblog USA Click here

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www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot


November 20, 2015


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UPDATE ON HIGHWAY SERVICES RESURFACING PROJECTS

Primary/Arterial Road Resurfacing
Brickyard Road
Completed

Seven Locks Road
In Progress

Residential Resurfacing

Clearspring Manor
Completed

 Kingswell
Completed
Norton Road
Completed
Spring Garden Estates
Completed
Greenwood Knolls Phase 1
In Progress

Permanent Patching
Blunt/Wayfarer Road
Completed

Glen Haven
Completed

Chestnut Hills
In Progress

Residential Neighborhood Street Rehabilitation

West Chevy Chase Phase 2 Completed


Aderleaf
In Progress

Chesney
In Progress

Residential Curbs and Sidewalks


Stonebridge Subdivision
Completed
Carroll Knolls Subdivision
Completed
Manor Ridge Subdivision
Completed

Drain Repairs
Sweepstakes Road
In Progress



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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Update on Highway Services Resurfacing Projects


Primary/Arterial Road Resurfacing:
Brickyard Road – Completed
Seven Locks Road – In Progress

Residential Resurfacing:
Clearspring Manor – Completed
 Kingswell – Completed
Norton Road – Completed
Spring Garden Estates – Completed
Greenwood Knolls Phase 1 – In Progress

Permanent Patching:
Blunt/Wayfarer Road – Completed
Glen Haven – Completed
Chestnut Hills – In Progress

Residential Neighborhood Street Rehabilitation:
West Chevy Chase Phase 2 – Completed
Alderleaf – In Progress
Chesney – In Progress

Residential Curbs and Sidewalks:
Stonebridge Subdivision – Completed
Carroll Knolls Subdivision – Completed
Manor Ridge Subdivision – Completed

  Drain Repairs:

Sweepstakes Road– In Progress



MCDOT, MCPD and MCPS Brief the County Council on the County’s Youth Pedestrian Safety Programs


On November 17, the County Council invited County agencies responsible for youth pedestrian safety and school transportation to present an update on their activities. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) presented information about its successful Safe Routes to School program and YOLO campaign for high school students; Montgomery County Police (MCPD) presented information on the work of its School Safety Section and Crossing Guard Program; and Montgomery CountyPublic Schools (MCPS) discussed its transportation programs to get students safely to and from school. 

View the presentation below:

 Youth Pedestrian Safety Presentation

Regional Street Smart Campaign Offers Tips to Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists on Staying Safe

The region's Street Smart safety campaign is offering tips for staying safe this fall and winter. Every year, crashes involving pedestrians spike during October, November and December. One of the major reasons for the increased risk is fewer hours of daylight.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 72 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur in darkness. That’s why everyone is reminded – drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists – to be more alert and obey traffic safety laws.

What should you do to stay safe?

  • If you’re driving, slow down and yield to people in crosswalks.
  • If you’re biking, obey signs and signals and ride in the direction of traffic.
  • If you’re walking, cross in the crosswalk and wait for the walk signal.
  • Fines for violating traffic safety laws can range from $40 to $500.
What should drivers do to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe?

  • Slow down, obey the speed limit, and watch out for people walking and biking.
  • Stop for people in crosswalks.
  • Check and recheck for pedestrians, especially before you make a turn.
  • Give bicyclists room to ride – allow at least three feet when passing – it’s the law.
What should people be aware of when they are walking from place to place?

  • Cross the street at crosswalks and wait for the “walk” signal.
  • Watch for turning cars at intersections.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before you cross in front of them.
  • Wear something bright or reflective when it’s dark outside.
What about bicyclists?

  • Be predictable and obey signs and signals.
  • Ride in the direction of traffic.
  • Wear a helmet and use lights at night.
Safety tips, campaign details and more information about the Street Smart program are available online at BeStreetSmart.net


MCDOT and DEP Remind Residents to Keep Leaves out of Storm Drains and Streams

 

With Highway Services’ annual leaf vacuum collection program underway, both MCDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) remind residents to help keep leaves out of storm drains.  Leaves washed into storm drains not only block drain inlets, causing street flooding, but also add excessive nutrients to local waterways, significantly degrading water quality and potentially harming fish and wildlife.

Avoid raking leaves into the street; instead, pile them near the edge of the home’s property nearest the road. Crews will collect the leaves that are placed alongside the roadway. And, be assured that storing leaves on the lawn for a short time does not damage it.

In addition to clogging storm drains and impairing water quality, placing leaf piles in the street can cause many problems by:
  • Disrupting traffic - Many neighborhoods have narrow streets and on-street parking. Leaf piles extending into the roadway limit parking and the ability of vehicles, especially school buses, to safely negotiate the streets.
  • Hampering snow removal operations - Snow covered leaf piles can become extremely heavy and freeze to the roadway surface.
  • Creating hazardous and very slippery conditions that could lead to accidents - When leaves get wet, they create a slick surface that makes it difficult for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists to stop, start or change direction.
There are several ways that homeowners can ensure fallen leaves are properly disposed, particularly for those who do not live the leaf vacuum collection area:

  • Recycle leaf litter (not recommended for evergreen needles) on the lawn while mowing using either special mulching blades or a mulching lawn mower. Leaves are finely chopped and decompose over time, adding to soil and lawn health.
  • Compost leaf litter and provide natural, organic nutrients to amend soils and help build soil structure. Montgomery County provides free composting bins and information on how to compost.
  • Take advantage of the County’s weekly curbside yard trim pick-up by placing leaves in special large paper bags or reusable cans labeled with green yard trim stickers. The collected leaves are composted by Montgomery County.
Learn more about recycling leaves and yard trim online


 Become a Stream Steward

MCDOT to Begin Constructing Needwood Road Bike Path

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Division of Transportation Engineering (DTE), has begun construction of the Needwood Road Bike Path, located on the south side of Needwood Road from Redland Road to Deer Lake Road. The off-road, concrete bike path will be eight feet wide and about 1,300 feet long. This portion of the bike trail is part of a larger 1.7 mile bike path that will eventually extend to Muncaster Mill Road. Construction will take about six months.

Crews will work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect temporary lane closures during construction between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Occasional Saturday work may be required to make up for project delays resulting from inclement weather.

Get the latest project updates on Twitter: @MC_DTE #NeedwoodSW.

New Capital Bikeshare Members Can Now Use Credit or Debit Cards as their "Key"


Capital Bikeshare has unveiled a new feature that will provide faster access to its system for new members and make it more convenient for existing members. The innovative “Card as Key” feature allows new Capital Bikeshare members to immediately begin checking out bikes at any station in the system by using the credit or debit card they charged to purchase their membership. Previously, new members had to wait until they received their keys in the mail before they could begin riding. 
Read more.



SHA Begins Drainage Project on Connecticut Avenue

 

On November 30 (weather permitting), the State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a drainage improvement project to construct new channel gutters along southbound Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase at the intersections of Woodbine Street and Blackthorn Street. The project will address community concerns about standing water after rainstorms.

Work crews have started at the Connecticut Avenue-Blackthorn Street intersection and then will proceed to Woodbine Street. The public should expect temporary lane closures and restricted access to Blackthorn and Woodbine while work is underway. Signs will be posted to alert drivers.

Crews will work on weekdays, except holidays. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.  

Tell FHWA You Want Safer Designs for City Streets


From a Tuesday, November 17, 2015 article by Angie Schmitt in Streetsblog USA:

“Earlier this fall, the Federal Highway Administration proposed a major policy change: Instead of requiring roads that receive federal funding to be designed like highways, the agency would change its standards to allow greater flexibility. The implications for urban streets were huge — with less red tape, cities would have a much easier time implementing safer designs for walking and biking. Now FHWA is accepting public comment on this proposal, and you can help ensure that it’s enacted.....

“Transportation for America has created a tool to help people send their thoughts to the right people.”  Read more.



Thursday, November 5, 2015

Go Montgomery Newsletter - November 6, 2015

Go Montgomery

mcdotlogo11

RideonTv

Ride On Lauded as Early Adopter of Transit Technology that is Enticing People to Use Transit

Montgomery County's Ride On bus system was featured in a National Public Radio story about the way transit systems across the country are using technology and data to improve service and information access for customers. Read more.

pedsafetylights2

Street Teams Plan More Pedestrian Safety Education Events in November

With fewer hours of daylight, fall and winter are the times of the year that are the most dangerous for pedestrians as people may be traveling in the dark during both the morning and evening rush hours. It is vitally important for drivers to watch out for pedestrians and for pedestrians to make themselves visible. Pedestrians can do this by wearing bright or reflective clothing, walking in well-lit areas, and carrying a flashlight. Read more.

advisorymeeting

New Silver Spring Residents Invited to Learn about Major Transportation Projects Planned for their Community

Those new to Silver Spring are invited to attend the next meeting of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board to learn more about future projects that may expand their transit options including the Purple Line Light Rail system and a Bus Rapid Transit system for US 29 and New Hampshire Avenue. The meeting will be held on Monday, November 9, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The transportation discussion is scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. Read more.

CommunityServDay22

MCDOT Sponsors Annual Litter Clean Up for Community Service Day

On October 24, MCDOT employees and community members participated in the annual “Dirty Roads and Delis” litter clean up. Staff selects a neighborhood around a deli that needs help with litter collection, and then pitch in to improve the appearance of the community. Removing trash also keeps it out of the County’s streams, improving water quality. Read more.

md97

SHA to Hold Public Hearing in December on the MD 97 - Montgomery Hills Project Planning Study

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA), Montgomery County, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invite the public to attend a Location/Design Public Hearing for the MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) - Montgomery Hills Project Planning Study. Staff will formally present the results of the detailed engineering and environmental studies for the project, which proposes alternatives to establish a balanced approach to transportation within the MD 97 corridor. Read more.

EOY2015

MCDOT Honors its Outstanding Employees

On November 2, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) honored 30 of its best employees at an Employee of the Year awards ceremony. In addition, employees were recognized for serving the County for 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 years. Read more.

commuterservices56

Employers: 2015 Commuter Survey is Now Available

Montgomery County's annual commuter survey has been sent to selected employers. Employer participation is vital, because the information collected from employees through the survey helps the County and other jurisdictions in the region plan for future transportation projects - and that affects commuters and employers alike. Read more.
commutersurvey2015

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot


November 6, 2015


MCDOTNews1

Highway Services Road Improvement Update

The Division of Highway Services (DHS) continues road improvement projects in November.  Schedules are dependent on weather conditions. 

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Permanent pavement patching projects are planned for two roads in Olney: Hines Road and Cashell Road. Permanent pavement patching preserves pavement, restoring the roadway’s structural capacity and integrity. In these types of projects, DHS makes full depth patches, seals cracks, applies hot mix asphalt and replaces lane markings. Upcoming projects will take about three weeks to complete and will require daily, short-term parking restrictions. Work will occur Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some Saturday work may be required.

crackRdSealing

A three-week pavement preservation project is also planned for Shakespeare Boulevard, from Frederick Road to Germantown Road, in Germantown to repair and resurface the roadway. The project includes full depth patching, crack sealing, application of a liquid surfacing material and replacement of lane markings. Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Temporary lane closures and detours may be necessary. 

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Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page.   This service is provided to you at no charge by Department of Transportation of Montgomery County MD.   Visit Go Montgomery to view more news.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Ride On Lauded as Early Adopter of Transit Technology that is Enticing People to Use Transit


Montgomery County's Ride On bus system was featured in a National Public Radio story about the way transit systems across the country are using technology and data to improve service and information access for customers. Ride On is a midsize bus system that according to the story's reporter Franklyn Cater is "...an early adopter of these technologies, ahead of most agencies its size.”



Ride On tracks the location of its 343 buses and uses the data to provide real time bus arrival

information to customers. Recently, Ride On installed new signs at nine bus shelters that let riders track their bus on a map and also shows when the next bus will arrive. Rider feedback has been very positive, including one woman who started stopped driving and started using Ride On's Route 47 bus. She said in the story, "I'm a fairly recent convert, but ... now I'm so pro-47 bus, it's ridiculous. I wish every bus stop was like this."

Learn more about the real time signs online.

Highway Services Road Improvement Update


The Division of Highway Services (DHS) continues road improvement projects in November.  Schedules are dependent on weather conditions.

Permanent pavement patching projects are planned for two roads in Olney: Hines Road and Cashell Road. Permanent pavement patching preserves pavement, restoring the roadway’s structural capacity and integrity. In these types of projects, DHS makes full depth patches, seals cracks, applies hot mix asphalt and replaces lane markings. Upcoming projects will take about three weeks to complete and will require daily, short-term parking restrictions. Work will occur Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some Saturday work may be required.

A three-week pavement preservation project is also planned for Shakespeare Boulevard, from Frederick Road to Germantown Road, in Germantown to repair and resurface the roadway. The project includes full depth patching, crack sealing, application of a liquid surfacing material and replacement of lane markings. Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Temporary lane closures and detours may be necessary. 


Street Teams Plan More Pedestrian Safety Education Events in November




With fewer hours of daylight, fall and winter are the times of the year that are the most dangerous for pedestrians as people may be traveling in the dark during both the morning and evening rush hours. It is vitally important for drivers to watch out for pedestrians and for pedestrians to make themselves visible. Pedestrians can do this by wearing bright or reflective clothing, walking in well-lit areas, and carrying a flashlight.

To spread the word about pedestrian safety, Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative teams are talking to pedestrians and distributing safety tips, reflective bags and zipper pulls at the following locations in November:

November 2:   Blair High School Outreach (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.)                    
November 4:   Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments StreetSmart Street Team, Silver  Spring Transit Center
November 7:   Fresh Market, Congressional Plaza near Halpine Road (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
November 9:   Bethesda Street Team (4 to 7 p.m.)                           
November 12: Wheaton Metro Street Team (4 to 7 p.m.)                 
November 14: Tentative - Bethesda Trader Joes (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
November 17: Silver Spring Street Team (4 to 7 p.m.)