Go Montgomery! July 26, 2019

State Agrees to Evaluate Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties Alternative for I270/I495 Traffic Relief Plan That Includes Multimodal Options Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have successfully advocated for evaluation of a more complete and environmentally sensitive approach to the State’s plans for easing congestion on I-270 and I-495. The new alternative to be studied includes managed lanes, reversible lanes, active traffic management techniques, spot improvements, expansion of park & ride facilities and dedicates some toll revenues to already planned transit projects. Read more. WMATA Board Votes to Make Permanent the Elimination of Grosvenor Turnbacks   The December 17, 2018 elimination of Metrorail turnbacks at Grosvenor is now permanent thanks to a vote of the WMATA Board on July 25. The elimination increased ridership, significantly reduced train overcrowding, reduced wait times, improved station circulation, did not adversely impact Red Line on-time performance, improved service for customers at White Flint and stations north and did not cause issues with train spacing or operations.  Read more. MCDOT Parking Featured in July’s IPMI Magazine The July issue of International Parking & Mobility Institute Magazine highlights MCDOT’s use of thoughtful parking management techniques in the administration of the Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton parking lot districts. Read the full article. Ride On Flex Recently Featured in Mobility Lab News Ride On Flex, the new on-demand public transit service operating in the Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton areas, was the subject of a story about microtransit. Read the full story.    Silver Spring VanGo Circulator Gets a Starry New Look Beginning July 24, the free, hop-on, hop-off, downtown shuttle began sporting an eye-catching design based on Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting. The special look gives the MCDOT Transit-operated VanGo its own unique look. Learn more about the VanGo service. Long-term Colesville Road Lane Closures Begin Tonight As work on the Purple Line ramps up at the Silver Spring Transit Center, the right lane of southbound Colesville Road will be closed between 2nd Avenue and East-West Highway. See the Purple Line construction updates, or sign up to receive them by text or email. Temporary Traffic Changes Expected on Rockville Pike July 26 to August 4 As part of the project to construct a pedestrian underpass under MD 355 at the Medical Center Metro Station, traffic changes are planned at Woodmont Avenue and Rockville Pike. Read more. New Parking Rates in Two Bethesda Garages Take Effect in Mid-August MCDOT will modify parking rates of the Waverly Garage (Garage 47) and the Metropolitan Garage (Garage 49) on or about August 19.  These new rates will optimize occupancy and meet the customer service goals and transportation trends within the Bethesda Parking Lot District. Learn more. Update on Wheaton Revitalization The MCDOT-managed project to build a new Wheaton Town Square, office building and parking garage remains on schedule for May 30, 2020 and is currently 68% complete. View the most current newsletter and see the live onsite camera online. July 26, 2019 Update on Residential Roadway Resurfacing and Paving Projects Drew's Court Garrett Forest Subdivision Plantations Subdivision Rosemary Hills Phase II Sligo Creek Parkway Woodmoor-Indian Springs Update on Residential Concrete Projects Lakewood Estates Phase I MCDOT to Host Free e-Scooter Training in Silver Spring and Bethesda Ever wanted to try an e-scooter? If so, take a free spin on Saturday, July 27 in Silver Spring from 10 a.m. to noon or Bethesda from 1 to 3 p.m.  Learn safety tips and basic scooter laws, too. Participants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. Read more. Montgomery County Agriculture Fair Keep your eyes out for banners on Ride On buses promoting this year's Agriculture Fair August 9 - 17. Ride Rides, play games, visit animals, craft exhibits, food and entertainment. Be sure to visit Ride On's booth for information on services and giveaways. Learn more at mcagfair.com.

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