Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Go Montgomery! January 29, 2020

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CENewvisioncoor

Elrich Names Wade Holland as New Coordinator of County’s Vision Zero Program

At a January 27 press conference, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich introduced Wade Holland as the new full-time coordinator of the County’s Vision Zero program and addressed the next steps to keep pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers safe. The program is dedicated to eliminating traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries by 2030. Read more

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Council to Hold Community Meeting on Vision Zero Focused on Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety 

The Montgomery County Council is planning a Vision Zero town hall meeting in Wheaton on pedestrian and bicycle safety on Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. to hear directly from residents about the safety issues they are encountering on roadways and sidewalks and in crosswalks. Read more. 

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TONIGHT: Public Invited to Provide Feedback and Learn More About the Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel

MCDOT will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, January 29  at 7 p.m. to present information about the Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel and get input from the community. The meeting will be held in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School All Purpose Room/Cafeteria, located at 4301 East West Highway in Bethesda. Read more.

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TONIGHT: Open House About Realignment of Ride On Routes for the FLASH

Ride On will modify its local bus service along the US 29 corridor to better align with the new, higher frequency, limited-stop service called the FLASH.  An open house will take place 6:30 p.m. tonight, January 29, at East County Regional Service Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring.  Or, send an email with your written comments. The routes that will be affected include: Routes 89 , 1012, 13 (covered by Routes 12 and 19), 1419,  21 and 22Read more.

metroshutdownfeb1-2

Metro Red Line Service Closed Between Glenmont and Takoma this Weekend

WMATA is shutting down the Red Line metro service between Glenmont and Takoma February 1 and February 2. Free shuttle bus service will be available between these two stations. Call 202-637-7000 or visit wmata.com for more information.

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Montgomery Drivers Could Be Affected in Temporary Weekend Closures on ICC This Weekend

Montgomery County drivers who use the Intercounty Connector (ICC/MD 200) could be affected by this weekend closures January 31 to February 3 as Maryland Transit Authority upgrades toll facilities. Learn more.

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Free Ride On for Kids Leads to Big Increase in Ridership

Since Ride On buses became free all the time for those 18 years of age and younger, ridership has increased in that age group by 57 percent in the last six months of 2019 compared to the same six-month period in 2018. Ride On had been free from 2 to 8 p.m. weekdays. Read more.

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Metro Ridership Continues to Rise, Statistics Show

(From The Washington Post, by Justin GeorgeJanuary 15) 
The transit authority’s latest data shows steady passenger growth after years of decline. It reported a four percent increase in passenger trips in 2019 compared with 2018. Read more.

whiteflintproject

Update on the White Flint Project

During the next two weeks, Washington Gas infrastructure upgrades continue along Old Georgetown Road, primarily south of the intersection with Executive Boulevard. See details of affected roads and intersections online. Visit the White Flint Project page to learn more about MCDOT’s project to improve sidewalks, bikeways, trails, paths, public use space, parks and recreational facilities, streetscapes and transit-oriented development around the Metro station.  Follow on Twitter @PurpleLineMD.

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Capital Crescent Trail Construction Progress in Silver Spring

The weekend of Jan. 25, Purple Line team installed three segments of the Capital Crescent Trail bridge, which will take pedestrians and cyclists over Colesville Road in Silver Spring. This portion of the County-funded trail project was completely safely and on time.

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MCDOT’s FLEX Bus Service Cited as One Way Communities Can Address Their Climate Goals

(From GreenBiz, by Shruti Vaidyanathan, January 21)
“In Maryland, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation recently introduced limited flexible-route, on-demand bus service in two zones during specified hours, to better connect residents to transit and commercial hubs, as well as prepare for the arrival of automated transit service. The Ride On Flex service has no fixed stops or schedules, instead allowing residents to book a ride to any destination within the outlined zones.” Read more.

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Montgomery Planning Receives Approval to Move Forward with New Vision Zero Tool

The recently approved Predictive Safety Analysis project seeks to prevent serious injury or fatal crashes at locations without a recent history of crashes, but that share similar features to areas where serious injury or fatal crashes have occurred.
Read more.

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A New Caucus of 48 Maryland Legislators Will Push Transit Funding, Pedestrian Safety, and More

(From Greater, Greater Washington, by Alex Holt (Maryland Correspondent) January 23) 
A new caucus of legislators plans to work together this year to advance priorities around funding more and better transit, ensuring oversight of highway widening projects, and much more. The Maryland Transit Caucus announced a set of six bills the legislators will champion. Read more.

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Study Suggests In-Car Technology Better at Keeping Older Drivers Safer on Roads than Mass Retesting

(From The Telegraph, by Callum Adams, January 27)
The mass retesting of older drivers is less safe than simple in-car technology, a report has found. Read more.

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Metro Releases Bus Transformation Project Action Plan

Metro's Bus Transformation Project is reimagining the role of local buses to develop a fast, frequent, reliable, affordable system that feels unified. The agency has posted the second document, the Strategy’s Action Plan, online. Learn more on the project website.

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Bay Bridge Work and All-Electronic Tolling to be Completed by Summer 2020

Governor Larry Hogan announced that all lanes at the Bay Bridge will be open this summer as deck work on the westbound right lane is completed a year ahead of schedule and all-electronic tolling goes live. Read more.

purpleLineConstruction

Purple Line Construction Lane Shifts and Closures on University Boulevard and Piney Branch Road Planned for February

Beginning on February 10, lanes on University Boulevard will shift. The change will open the left-most lanes and begin a long-term closure of the right-most lanes on the east and westbound sides of University Boulevard from Carroll Avenue to New Hampshire Avenue. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. Beginning February 14 there will be a long-term right turn lane closure westbound from Piney Branch Road to University Boulevard. Pedestrian access will be maintained. Work may take place from during the day and evening  on weekdays and weekends. More information is available online.

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January 29, 2020


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Click here to see upcoming MCDOT events

safetyday

MCDOT to Host Safety Day MAY 2 

Safety Day will feature fun for the whole family, lots of vendors, food, games, safety education, bike raffles, mobile commuter Store and more. Plan to attend on May 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 850 Hungerford Drive parking lot in Rockville.

executiveblvdbikelane

MCDOT Installing Executive Boulevard Separated Bike Lane 

MCDOT began installation of a bike lane between Nicholson Lane and Woodglen Drive in Rockville that is expected to take about a week to complete. 

nowhiring
Work With Us! MCDOT is hiring for the following positions:
  • Transportation Systems Technician I/II/III
  • Supervisor, Traffic Signing and Marking Shop
  • Transit Bus Operator
  • Capital Projects Manager – Parking Management
Go to MCG Careers to learn more.

newsidewalk

MCDOT to Hold Public Hearing for Proposed Farmland Sidewalk February 19

MCDOT invites the public to attend a public hearing on February 19 at 7 p.m. to provide comments concerning construction of a sidewalk that provides disabled citizens, pedestrians and bicyclists safer travel to schools and nearby public attractions or facilities. Learn more.

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Elrich to Host Online Chat February 13

Join Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich for an online chat from 1 to 2 p.m. or submit a question in advance.

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Update on the Wheaton Revitalization Project

The project is currently 89 percent complete and on-schedule for substantial completion by the end of May.
Read more

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Friday, January 17, 2020

Go Montgomery! January 17, 2020

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Montgomery county Emblem

Elrich Releases Recommended FY 21-26 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget that Includes Funding for Significant Transportation Improvements

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich introduced his recommended $4.23 billion CIP that included funding to enhance safety for pedestrians, bikers and drivers; support transit-oriented development; move forward on more Bus Rapid Transit; enhance funding for Vision Zero; expand infrastructure maintenance for roads, bridges, culverts and sidewalks; and convert streetlights to reduce energy consumption. Read more.

metroshutdown

Metro Red Line Service Closed Between Glenmont and Silver Spring This Weekend  

WMATA is shutting down Red Line Metro service between Glenmont and Silver Spring this Saturday, January 18 through Monday, January 20.  Free shuttle bus service will be available between the Glenmont and Silver Spring stations.  More information is available online, or call 202-637-7000.

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Elrich Kicks Off New ‘Salt-Wise’ Campaign Urging Homeowners to Use Less Salt During Winter Storms to Reduce Environmental Impacts  

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich kicked off a new effort to encourage homeowners to use less salt on sidewalks and driveways during winter storms. When overused, excess salt ends up in stormwater drains, local streams and eventually, the Chesapeake Bay and raises sodium levels in the water supplyRead more.  View a Channel 9 story about the campaign featuring an interview with MCDOT Director Chris Conklin.

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MCDOT to Hold Public Meeting on Fenton Village Bike and Pedestrian Projects on January 21 

MCDOT will brief the community on several  bicycle and pedestrian safety improvement projects in the Fenton Village and downtown Silver Spring areas. The projects include the Fenton Street/Maryland 410 Intersection Redesign, Grove Street Neighborhood Greenway Pilot Project and Fenton Street Bikeway Study. Learn more.

newsidewalk

Public Hearing on Proposed Jones Lane Sidewalk to be Held in  Darnestown on January 22 at Jones Lane ES 

Public input is essential in helping MCDOT determine whether or not to proceed with constructing all or a portion of proposed sidewalks. The Jones Lane sidewalk will enhance safety for those with disabilities, pedestrians and bicyclists travelling to schools and nearby public attractions and facilities. Learn more.

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MCDOT to Hold Open Houses About  Ride On Bus Service Changes for US 29 

On January 27 and 29, join the MCDOT staff at one of two open houses to learn about planned modifications to Ride On bus service along the US 29 (Colesville Rd/ Columbia Pike) corridor.
The changes will better align regular Ride On service with the new, higher frequency, limited-stop service, called teh FLASH, when it begins operation later this year. Read more or visit ridetheFLASH.com/us29.

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MCDOT Extends Dockless
e-Scooter
 Pilot Program  

MCDOT has authorized three companies to continue the docklesse-scooter pilot program for another six months within certain areas. View a list of the operating rules and a map of the test areas. Take a brief, five-minute survey to let MCDOT know your opinions.

CElive

Elrich Discusses Transportation Issues During January 9 Virtual Town Hall  

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Elrich held a virtual town hall earlier this month  and answered a number of questions about transportation. The town hall is an online forum that allows County residents to send questions, or comments, directly to the County Executive. See questions and answers.

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What to Expect During Construction of MCDOT’s Crossing Project Over the Next Week 

MCDOT is improving safety and mobility for people and vehicles at the Medical Center Metro Station, near the Medical Center Metro Station, National Institutes of Health and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Naval Support Activity Bethesda. Read more.

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MDOT SHA Announces Lane Closures for Montgomery County Beginning January 16  

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration (SHA) has announced planned lane closures in the County related to major construction projects. Work schedules may be affected by the weather. Read more.

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Get Updates from the County SNOW PORTAL 

This handy, online website provides information on the latest delays and closings, the status of plowing in your neighborhood, up-to-date snow-related information and submitting a service request.

gomofooter

January 17, 2020


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MLKday

Transportation-Related Schedule Changes for January 20

  • County Offices - Closed.
  • Ride On - Operates on a Sunday schedule. 
  • Ride On Flex - Does not operate.
  • Commuter Stores - Closed.
  • County Parking - Free.
View more schedule changes.

snow winterguide
With snow in the forecast this weekend, be sure to view  MCDOT’s Winter Guide for tips and resources.

CEAddress

Elrich Highlights Accomplishments in First State of the County Address 

On January 15, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich delivered his first ‘State of the County’ address. View a video of his address.

ROGuide

Ride On User Guides are Available in Seven Different Languages

To get one, email Ride On or visit a TriPs Commuter Store.

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MCDOT Helps to Promote Safety at Montgomery Blair HS    

MCDOT joined Councilmember Will Jawando as he launched the #DrivingItHome safety campaign, which encouraged school seniors to pledge to drive responsibly. MCDOT distributed educational materials and safety reflectors to students. Learn more.

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MCDOT Participated in Lunar New Year Celebration at Northwood HS  

On January 12MCDOT distributed pedestrian, bicycle and traffic safety information and resources to more than 1,000 attendees at the Association of Vietnamese Americans Lunar New Year Festival at Northwood High School. This annual festival maintains and preserves Vietnamese customs and traditions with crafts, food and entertainment.