Go Montgomery: July 2020

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Go Montgomery Transportation-Related News! July 23, 2020

HAPPENING NOW: Montgomery County Planning Board to Hold Online Public Hearing on Draft Complete Streets Design Guide

At 5:30 p.m., the Montgomery County Planning Board will hold an online public hearing on the draft Complete Streets Design Guide, jointly developed by MCDOT and Montgomery Planning. Complete Streets is a new approach to designing roads in Montgomery County. View the draft Complete Streets Design Guide.

Help Montgomery County Eliminate Serious and Fatal Traffic Crashes

Montgomery County is creating a 10-year Vision Zero strategy and requesting resident feedback by participation in the Vision Zero Community Survey by August 9 (available in four languages). Also, view the current action plan.

County Executive Elrich Requests State to Provide Additional Time for Residents to Review and Respond to Draft Environmental Impact Statement for I-495 and I-270 Study

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, in a letter to Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Greg Slater, said that the community needs more time to review and respond to the complex and lengthy Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) for the proposed managed lanes project for I-495 and I-270. County Executive Elrich requested that the State “extend the time for comment to at least 120 days (preferably longer).” Learn more at ow.ly/EsCE30qZK0p.

MCDOT has expanded options for traveling in the County using dockless personal mobility devices. Capital Bikeshare launched a return of dockless e-bikes and deployed a small fleet of e-bikes across the Region earlier this month. In addition to e-bikes, e-scooter availability in the County expanded to four vendors that now include Bird, Lime, Lyft and Spin. Learn more.

MCDOT's Bike Match Program is Looking for Bike Donations

Do you have a bike you no longer use? Bike Match MoCo is a new, free service that enables people with extra, unused bicycles to connect with essential workers who have expressed a need for a bike. MCDOT is seeking bikes for almost 400 residents in need. If you have one to donate, please fill out the online form at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/commuter/bikeshare/bikematch.html.

Portion of Executive Boulevard Permanently Closed in Bethesda For Safety Improvements

As part of MCDOT's multi-year White Flint project, the portion of Executive Boulevard between the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center entrance and Old Georgetown Road closed permanently to improve the walking and biking environment.
Improvements include sidewalks, bikeways, slower vehicle speeds, public use space, connectivity to park and recreational facilities, streetscapes and transit-oriented development in proximity to the Metrorail station. The project supports the goals of the County’s Vision Zero program that seeks to eliminate severe injuries and fatalities in traffic-related incidents. Learn more at whiteflintproject.com.

Silver Spring Transit Center Ride On Bus Stop Changes

Now through Saturday, August 1, the Level 2 Entrance of the Paul S. Sarbanes Silver Spring Transit Center will be closed between 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Ride On buses normally using level 2 will use empty bays on Level 1. Learn more.

Dockless E-Scooters Offer Free/Reduced Rides

BIRD: Eligible riders will receive two free 30-minute rides per day. Sign up by emailing a copy of a medical identification card, name and phone number to together@bird.co.
LIME: “Lime Aid” program provides free, 30-minute rides.
SPIN: Through Summer 2020, "Everyday Heros" program is providing free 30-minute rides. You are eligible to apply if you live in the Washington D.C. metro area and work in the healthcare, public transit, or food service industries.

Virtual Public Hearing on Proposed Abandonment of Public Alley in Bethesda, July 28

MCDOT invites the public to participate in a Zoom virtual meeting and provide comments on the proposed closure and abandonment of a public alley near the 8000 block of Wisconsin Avenue. The hearing for Abandonment 769 will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pre-registration is required to obtain the Zoom meeting details, visit ow.ly/3OQ130qYjSW.

It's Not Too Late to Provide Feedback on Grove Street Neighborhood Greenway

The public has until July 31 to provide feedback on a proposed Neighborhood Greenway pilot project for Grove Street. These greenway streets prioritize safe movement of bicyclists and pedestrians and minimize the fast, through movement of vehicles by using speed reduction techniques, such as speed humps, diversionary treatments and other tools. To comment, take the online survey, use the online interactive map or email Matt Johnson at matt.johnson@montgomerycountymd.gov. Or view last week's virtual public meeting online, along with the slides from the presentation.

Temporary Traffic Changes at Bethesda’s Woodmont Corner Garage (Garage 11)

County contractors began restoring Garage 11's facade on the Old Georgetown Road side. As a result, there will be traffic pattern changes on the Old Georgetown Road side of the garage until the facade restoration is completed in mid-September. Learn more.

View Underground Pedestrian Tunnel Construction; Part of MD 355 Crossing Project

MCDOT is building a new pedestrian tunnel under Rockville Pike near the National Institutes of Health and a new eastern entrance to the Medical Center Metrorail station. Work is expected to be completed at the end of 2020. View tunnel video and get more information about the project at md355crossing.com.

MCDOT’s Senior Engineer Recognized for Outstanding Service

Senior Engineer for Strategic Innovation Hannah Henn has been named a High Riser by County Executive Marc Elrich and Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Kleine. Since the onset of the County’s COVID-19 emergency response, Hannah has taken on additional duties to serve as Acting Strategic Communications Manager to effectively oversee and coordinate all communications for MCDOT. Hannah’s hard work and commitment during the COVID-19 crisis response has been critical to providing our community with exceptional service. Learn more.

Coming Soon - Google Maps to Show Directions to Nearest Bikeshare Station

Google Maps will provide walking and biking directions to all Capital Bikeshare stations. In other words, they'll provide detailed walking directions to the nearest Capital Bikeshare station for the start of your trip, then provide riding directions to the nearest bikeshare station to your destination, and end with walking directions to your final destination. With this improvement you'll be able to plan your whole route as a single trip, not three separate trips like before.

Read the techcrunch.com July 20 article by Sarah Perez.

MTA Expands Service

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration expanded its local bus, light rail, MARC train, and commuter bus service on July 13. Learn more at mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus.

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 Asks for Public Feedback

As Metro prepares to restore more service, it is seeking information from the public about how commuting patterns might change for those who have been working remotely. This quick, online survey is a way to share information that will be the basis for planning transit service to meet the public's needs in the months ahead. Survey participants don’t have to be regular Metro riders to help out. Take a few minutes now and fill out the survey at wmata.com/returntowork.

Planned Metro Closures and Track Work

Through July 25 buses are replacing trains between the Judiciary Square and Rhode Island Avenue Metrorail stations, with stops at Union Station and NoMa-Gallaudet.
Metro will be installing radio cable and completing rail maintenance between the Fort Totten and Silver Spring Metrorail stations, resulting in the closure of the in Takoma station from July 26 to August 1.
Red Line customers should allow additional travel time through August as Metro performs around-the-clock track work along segments of these lines, including 7-14 day closures of selected stations. Metro will actively monitor ridership – which is currently extremely light – to ensure that the work does not cause unintended impacts as the region begins the initial stages of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now through July 25 - Red Line extended shutdown between Judiciary Square and Rhode Island Avenue Stations.
Union Station and NoMa stations will be closed due to rail / switch maintenance.

View details and other planned track work at ow.ly/1dAh30qYZY8 and alerts at wmata.com/service/status/index.cfm.

Upcoming Construction Projects Resulting in Road Changes or Closures

From July 13, 9 a.m. to September 11, 3:30 p.m. the westbound lane of Gateway Center Drive between Clarksburg Road (MD 355) and Stringtown Road in Germantown will be closed for main installation work.
From 6am to 2pm 1,000 feet west of the intersection of Rockville Pike (rt355) and Mt. Vernon Place, one to three lanes heading northbound will be closed to traffic for water main work at 712 Rockville Pike in Rockville. Signage and traffic control devices will direct traffic through work area. The sidewalk on the east side of Rockville Pike (rt355) will be closed and a temporay accessible asphalt walk will divert pedestrian traffic around the work area. Work will be now until August 14.

State Project Portal

Find the road projects that are underway, in design or planned for your neighborhood. Project Portal offers a comprehensive view of major current, funded, and planned projects occurring across the State of Maryland. Click here for a list of road work planned in Montgomery County.

National Park Service to Begin Repaving Clara Barton Parkway Next Week

On July 27, the National Park Service will begin repaving the Clara Barton Parkway from Chain Bridge to MacArthur Boulevard. The project will continue until the end of the year and will also include improvements to ramps, bridge decks, parking lots and road drainage. Drivers should expect regular, non-rush hour lane closures and changes to traffic patterns. Learn more.

What Else is in The News?

'No mask. No ride': Uber will require drivers and passengers to wear face masks indefinitely

Why do cyclists love green bike lanes?

Here Are Four Charts That Show The Pandemic’s Impact On Locals’ Travel Habits

July 23, 2020

Ride On Supports Residents During Heat Emergency

To help residents during the recent heat emergency, Ride On provided free water to passengers and buses as back up to cooling centers.

Pet Safety in Extreme Temps

During periods of high heat, the most vulnerable are children, the elderly, and pets. Never leave a pet in a vehicle for any amount of time as the cars interior can reach 130 degrees in only a few minutes. The staff of the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center has provided important safety info for pet owners online.

Planning to Take a Ride on a Spin E-Scooter in Montgomery County?

Be sure to watch Spin's safety video on Youtube. Always wear a helmet, be courteous when riding, and please park responsibly.

Residents Reminded to Wear Face Coverings as Phase 2 Reopening Continues

As Montgomery County continues Phase 2 reopening, health officials remind all residents that face coverings must be worn to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Ride On buses will supply a face covering to riders who do not have one. rideonbus.com

National Safety Council Offers Webinars for Returning to Work

This series of free 30-minute webinars turn SAFER return-to-work recommendations into actionable plans for employers. Topics include: action planning, managing anxiety, office safety, how to deal with confirmed cases and screening. Learn more.

League of American Bicyclists Offer a Series of 'Ride Smart' Online Videos

Watch videos on bikeleague.org and on Youtube to understand how to ride safely, improve comfort, find the right bike and gear, and your rights as a bicyclist.

MCDOT Highway Crews Continue to Address Routine Maintenance

Crews have been mowing and responding to foliage requests, across the County, including concrete repair projects (curbs, gutters, sidewalks) in Silver Spring, Wheaton and Chevy Chase. MCDOT is doing its best to address the backlog of work that developed during the onset of the COVID 19 health crisis.

If you have issues in your neighborhood report it online or call 311 (from outside the County dial 240-777-0311).

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

*MCDOT has traffic monitoring cameras throughout Montgomery County. Check traffic conditions 24/7 for specific routes before you leave for your next destination at
ow.ly/kJVS30qZxxv.

*Bikeshare's 'Capital Bikeshare for All' equity program offers a one-year, free membership that includes unlimited 60-minute trips of pedal and e-bikes to qualified individuals who live and/or work in Montgomery County.

*Montgomery County residents can apply to bring a version of Shared Streets to their Neighborhood. If your application is approved, MCDOT will temporarily limit vehicles to local traffic only on your block. Visit ow.ly/x2Ok30r0dwr.

Portion of Capital Crescent Trail Closed

Capital Crescent Trail at Little Falls Parkway will close for several weeks, starting July 23 for construction of an elevated crosswalk. Learn more at ow.ly/KRJM30qZzf0.

Update on MCDOT's Capital Crescent Garage

The Capital Crescent Garage (Garage 31) in Bethesda entrance/exit will be closed until Friday, July 24 for reconstruction of the traffic bollards and signpost anchorages.

Use Park Mobile as Contactless Parking Option in Montgomery County

The app can easily be downloaded to your phone and used at 14,000 existing County operated parking spaces. Download the app now at ow.ly/Q2ZG30qYjHb.

County Offers New Website Dedicated to the Disability Community

Check Montgomery County's one-stop disability website for information about advocacy, caregiver support, developmental disabilities, employment, education, health and wellness and much more. Visit
montgomerycountymd.gov/
disability/index.html.

For Transportation Updates Visit MCDOT's COVID-19 Website

www.montgomerycountymd.gov
/DOT/covid19.html.

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

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Go Montgomery! July 2, 2020

New I-270 Interchange Off Watkins Mill Road Now Open; Montgomery County Contributed $4.9 million to Support Economic Development and Congestion Relief

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) opened a new interchange on I-270 that provides direct access from the interstate to Watkins Mill Road in Gaithersburg. The $124 million project will enhance access to Montgomery County’s technology corridor, which is home to dozens of thriving businesses and development.

Montgomery County contributed $4.9 million for design and engineering. County Executive Marc Elrich participated in a virtual ribbon cutting hosted by MDOT SHA Learn more.

Montgomery County is First Government to Offer Free Bike Match Program in the Washington Region

As the County expands activities through phased reopenings, more people - including both essential and non-essential workers - are in need of safe, reliable, and inexpensive travel to work and other places throughout the County. That’s why BikeMatchMoCo was created. This new, FREE service, connects people with extra, unused bicycles to individuals who need them. BikeMatchMoCo facilitates a direct, person-to-person donation. More than 100 requests for bikes have come in during the first week of the program, so the need is clear. Please sign up to donate if you can. Learn more.

Have a bike or need a bike? Go online and complete the registration form or we can mail it to you, call 240-777-8380.

Shared Streets Arlington Road and Montgomery Parks Car-Free Streets Begin Thursday for Extended Holiday Weekend

Arlington Road is closed to cars and open to pedestrians and cyclists to connect Downtown Bethesda to Little Falls Parkway from 9:00 a.m. today, July 2, to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5.
MCDOT launched its new “Shared Streets” program to support safe, physically distanced activity during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets.

MCDOT Further Expands Ride On Bus Service Starting July 5

Ride On will activate additional buses on routes already in service to provide more frequent trips and increase capacity as the County continues reopening during Phase 2. Face coverings are required at all times. Riders are asked to maintain distance where possible, board at the rear door of the bus unless ramp is needed, and service remains free to all passengers. Learn more.

View the Essential Plus bus service schedule at montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/essential-plan.html.

MCDOT’s Construction Management and Inspection Teams Recognized for Outstanding Service

MCDOT is very proud that its Division of Transportation Engineering Construction Management and Inspection teams have been recognized as "High Risers" by County Executive Marc Elrich and Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Kleine for their exceptional work during the COVID-19 health crisis.

MCDOT area engineers and inspectors have shown up every day to perform their jobs despite these difficulties. The projects that the team are implementing provide much-needed infrastructure and safety improvements like White Flint West Transportation, Snouffer School Road South and North, Seminary Road Improvements, Frederick Road Bike Path, and others. Learn more.

Commuter Connections Recognizes Three Employers for Excellence in Employee Commuting Benefits

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Commuter Connections honored three Montgomery County employers for their exceptional commitment to offering and promoting innovative, alternative, and sustainable commuting programs. Learn more.

MCDOT Launches First Shared Streets Neighborhood Greenways

On June 19, MCDOT opened two Shared Streets “neighborhood greenways" in Glenmont Hills and Silver Spring. MCDOT employees attended with their families enjoying biking and walking in the greenway, while demonstrating safe and appropriate behavior following physical distancing and congregating guidelines. Learn more.

MCDOT Invites Public to Virtual Meeting on US 29 Mobility and Reliability

The meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22. The following will be discussed:

*Roadway and transit priority alternatives considered;
* Potential bicycle and pedestrian improvements;
* Traffic results and project cost estimates.

Learn more about this meeting, review meeting materials and register to attend.

New MCDOT Program Allows Residents to Request ‘Slow Streets’ In Their Neighborhoods

During the early stages of reopening, MCDOT quickly turned downtown streets into open-air dining venues and closed roads near trails to create temporary greenways, making more space for overcrowded trail users. Now, residents can request that their neighborhood streets get the “shared streets” treatment to open them up for safer walking, biking and play. Read Jordan Pascale's June 25 WAMU story.

Metro Reopened 15 Metrorail Stations as of June 28

Metro reopened 15 rail stations that were previously closed as part of the transit agency’s COVID-19 response, including the Grosvenor-Strathmore Station. In addition, Metro has added more frequent buses and greater capacity to the system’s 14 busiest bus routes. Learn more.

MTA to Begin Expanded Service July 12 and 13

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will expand its local bus, light rail, MARC train, and commuter bus service July 12 and 13 during Maryland's COVID-19 Phase 2 recovery. View details at mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus.

Three State Highway Administration Major Road Projects by MDOT Will Have Significant Impact for Extended Periods on Montgomery County Traffic on I-495, I-270 and US Route 29

Emergency repairs will begin after the July 4 holiday to the inner loop of I-495 (Capital Beltway) Northwest Branch Bridge between MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) and MD 193 (University Boulevard) are expected to last through mid-July. Daytime and nighttime intermittent single- and multiple-lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays and between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. overnight.
Roadwork has already started on a summer-long MDOT SHA project to resurface southbound I-270 from Rockville to Bethesda, causing major delays each day. Drivers are advised to plan ahead, consider alternate routes or expect extra commute times if they travel on or around the routes under repair. Drivers also are asked to take extra caution to help keep workers safe.
Work has begun on planned $5.7 million safety and resurfacing project that covers about four-mile section of US 29, between St. Andrews Way (near Sligo Creek Parkway) and Stewart Lane is expected to last two years.

Learn more details for I-495 and US Route 29 projects. Learn more details on I-270 project.

WABA Offers New Bike Buying 101 Online Class, July 7

What kind of bike should I buy? Should I buy new or used? How does bike sizing work? Where should I purchase? I’m new to riding and there are so many options, WHERE DO I START??

If you have asked yourself any of these questions, this webinar is for you! Join WABA Instructor and Black Women Bike member, Robyn, at 6 p.m., as she discusses everything you’ve ever wanted to know about buying a bike. She’ll simplify your research process to narrow down your options and identify the benefits, perils, and hidden costs of each. She’ll also discuss how to adjust your bike shopping process during the pandemic.This webinar is FREE to join. Invite friends and family members and be sure to bring plenty of questions.

Metro Board Seeks Members for Riders' Advisory Council

The Metro Board of Directors is seeking to fill open seats on the Riders' Advisory Council (RAC), the 11-member panel that advises the Board on policy topics that may affect customers, such as fares, system hours, and frequency of rail and bus service. Applicants are currently being sought to fill three "at-large" seats. To be considered, RAC nominees should be regular Metro riders (during non-pandemic times), live within Metro's service area, and be members of the public who do not hold elected office, work for Metro or any of its contractors. Applications are due July 8. Learn more.

July 2, 2020

Transportation-Related Schedule for the Fourth of July Holiday, July 3 and 4

County Offices – Closed July 3;
Ride On – Operates Essential Plus Service- Saturday Schedule July 3 & 4;
TRiPS Commuter Store in Silver Spring – Closed July 4;
Public garages, lots, curbside meters - Free July 3.

View the press release for more transportation-related schedules.

Have a Safe Fourth of July Weekend

The Fourth of July holiday is one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired-driving crashes. Residents are urged to abstain from drinking alcohol before driving, or to find an alternate ride. Bottom line: If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving. Follow these guidelines for a safe holiday:

Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not drive.
Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
Impaired walking and cycling can also be dangerous. Walk with a non-impaired companion, or find another form of transportation provided by others.

"United Montgomery, Stronger Together"

Watch at 8 p.m., Friday, July 3 at buff.ly/2NifNtt.

Fear of Public Transit Got Ahead of the Evidence

Many have blamed subways and buses for coronavirus outbreaks, but a growing body of research suggests otherwise. Read Janette Sadik-Khan and Seth Solomonow's June 14 Atlantic article.

Montgomery County Is Shutting Down Some Roads For Streateries

Many restaurants are taking advantage of MCDOT's Shared Streets to use outdoor street space for customers. Read DCist's Jordan Pascale's June 10 article.

Montgomery Parks Open Streets are Open an Extra Day

The Fourth of July weekend means an extra day of rest and relaxation and an extra day for our shared and car-free streets. Run, bike, and walk almost seven miles of open roads on Beach Drive and Little Falls and Sligo Creek Parkways from today, July 2, 9 a.m., to Sunday, July 6, 6 p.m.

Germantown Streetery at Blackrock

Join Black Rock Center for the Arts on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 from 5 pm to 9 p.m. Featuring safe, appropriately-distanced seating for up to four people per party. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come first serve basis. Learn more.

Remember to Wear a Face Covering When Taking Public Transportation and When Visiting TRIPS Commuter Store

Always wear a face covering inside public places, and outdoors when it is difficult to maintain physical distance. A properly fitted mask covers both your nose and mouth. For more information about face coverings, visit the County's COVID-19 Information Portal at buff.ly/2BiuQA8.

Bethesda Circulator is Back!

The free Bethesda Circulator bus, which stops at or near all county parking garages and elsewhere in downtown Bethesda, is back. View the route map and the list of location stops.

Report a Violation

Montgomery County is currently in Phase 2 of reopening. For information about how to report a violation of the executive order, visit the County’s website at buff.ly/2ZrDt43.

Wheaton Revitalization Update

The project is at 99+-percent completion. As noted over the past 7-weeks the impacts of COVID-19 led to a revised Substantial Completion date of July 9, 2020. Read the most current newsletter or visit wheatonproject.com for more information.