MCDOT's Latest Transportation Newsletter "Go Montgomery" is Now Available! August 27, 2020

 

MCDOT's Neighborhood Greenways Aim to Make Local Roads More Friendly for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Four local streets in Montgomery County will be transformed into more friendly roadways for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-vehicular users, as MCDOT unveils the newest “Shared Streets” in a program that encourages roads to be shared by vehicles and other users. Shared Streets “Temporary Neighborhood Greenways” limit vehicular traffic to local traffic only, providing access to residents, service providers and deliveries. Learn more. Montgomery County to Permit More Businesses to Reopen Under Updated Phase 2 COVID-19 Guidelines Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, after consultation with County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles and based on data from contact tracing, has issued an updated executive order that allows additional openings. Learn more. State to Hold Virtual and In-Person Hearings on I-495/I-270 Managed Lane Study The public has three more opportunities in September to testify about the feasibility of adding tolled lanes to portions of I-495 and I-270. On September 3, State and Federal agencies will jointly hold a virtual public hearing and on September 1 and 10, will hold in-person hearings. Learn more. MCDOT Works With COVID Corps Youth Employees “COVID Corps” is a summer employment program for residents ages 16 to 23 that provides them with opportunities to support the County’s COVID-19 response. MCDOT’s COVID Corps is helping monitor MCDOT's e-scooter pilot program in Silver Spring and providing transportation program information to commuters. The County’s COVID Corps was recently featured on the PBS Newshour and Local DVM. Learn more. Metro Increases Bus and Rail Service Metrorail has begun operating near pre-pandemic service on four of its six rail lines. Buses are operating as early as 4 a.m. and ending as late as midnight, with schedules varying by route. Learn more. Regional transit service is also ramping up. Learn more. Public Invited to Comment on Proposed Changes to Ellsworth Drive MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing on September 14 concerning the proposed abandonment of two sections of Ellsworth Drive in downtown Silver Spring. The abandonment would allow the revitalization, expansion and upgrading of public use spaces and amenities and restrict non-essential vehicular traffic. Registration online is required. Artist Selected for Bethesda's 'Paint the Town' Contest Through a partnership between MCDOT, the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Bethesda Urban Partnership has selected an artist, Megan Lewis, to paint a transportation themed mural on the exterior of MCDOT's Woodmont Public Parking Garage in downtown Bethesda. The “Paint the Town” contest was designed to bring more public art murals to the urban district. Read the Bethesda Beat August 20 article. MCDOT Schedules Semi-Annual Fall Cleaning of County Parking Garages MCDOT’S Division of Parking Management will soon begin its semi-annual interior washdown and degreasing of all 21 County-owned parking garages in Silver Spring, Bethesda and Wheaton. The washings will occur on nights and weekends between September and November. Child Passenger Safety Week is September 20 to 26 Be sure your child is protected by the correct car seat for their age, height and weight. Parents can find more information on how to determine if their child is in the right seat by visiting NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat. Get expert safety tips on how to choose and use a car seat with Safe Kids Worldwide's Ultimate Car Seat Guide at safekids.org/ultimate-car-seat-guide. Expect Lane Closures on Clarksburg Road During WSSC Water Main Work  A contractor for WSSC is installing a force main and water line that will require periodic lane closures between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. until October 23. Expect closures on southbound Clarksburg Road, between Frederick Road (MD 355) and Little Sierra Court, and the northbound and southbound lanes at 23360 Clarksburg Road Work. For more information, contact Jonathan Goodwin at 301-524-6726 or email jgoodwin@cormanconstruction.com. SHA Begins River Road Work to Improve Safety Through spring 2021, drivers may encounter traffic delays on River Road (MD 190) as the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration constructs a $1.9 million roadway safety improvement project between Braeburn Parkway and Pyle Road in Bethesda. Expect temporary single-lane closures on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and multiple-lane closures overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Learn more. Tree Montgomery Provides Free Trees The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is looking for places to plant shade trees, including in the yards of single-family homes, around parking lots and in multi-family communities. Know of a densely-developed area, a spot lacking in trees or a location needing shade? DEP will plant the trees and provide maintenance guidance —all for free! Learn more at treemontgomery.org. Lighting Upgrades Completed at 48 Metrorail Stations Metrorail riders should notice new, brighter lights at 48 underground stations that improve visibility and enhance safety and security while reducing energy costs. Learn more. Employers Asked to Participate in Reopening Survey A regional partnership is asking employers across the Capital Region to take a brief survey about their reopening plans. The information is needed to facilitate the safe and sustainable return to worksites. Take the survey by August 28 at how.ly/25Nv30r5eWj. Police Step Up Traffic Safety Enforcement on ICC/MD 200 From June 5 to 7, the mdta.maryland.gov (MDTA) responded to community concerns about speeding and aggressive driving on the ICC/MD 200 by making 119 traffic stops and issuing a combined 153 traffic citations, warnings and safety equipment repair orders. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call 410-537-7911. Exelon Is Creating an EV Charging Network in Maryland Exelon’s Maryland utilities (BGE, Pepco and Delmarva Power) are creating an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network that will eventually include 850 chargers. One charging station has been installed at Thomas Farm Community Center at 700 Fallsgrove Drive in Rockville. Find more locations at ow.ly/vR6J30r5bmP. FOLLOW RIDE ON @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Ride On MCT on Facebook, or visit RideOnBus.com. August 27, 2020 Follow MCDOT on Twitter at twitter.com/MCDOTNow, subscribe to MCDOT NEWS releases and/or visit montgomerycountymd.gov.dot. Transportation-Related Holiday Schedule for Labor Day County Offices – Closed. Ride On – Sunday schedule. Metrorail/Metrobus – www.wmata.com. TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center –  Open. Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – Free. Celebrate Car Free Day on September 22 Car Free Day is a worldwide event that encourages traveling in ways that are greener than driving alone. Commuter Connections hosts Car Free Day in the DC region to raise awareness about the benefits of using options such as transit, bicycling, walking, scooters, telework, trains, and “car-lite” options such as carpooling and vanpooling. Learn more.  September is National Preparedness Month National Preparedness Month is an annual event that encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools and communities. What can you do? Check these preparedness tips and sign up for Alert Montgomery. It's Been Almost a Year Since MCDOT Installed the Region's First 'Protected Intersection' in Silver Spring Montgomery County's first protected intersection was installed last October at Spring Street and Second Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. Part of a larger Second Avenue bike infrastructure project, the intersection is designed to better protect pedestrians and cyclists and meet Vision Zero goals to help eliminate severe and fatal collisions. MCDOT Cares for County Trees Trees growing in a County right of way are owned and maintained by MCDOT. MCDOT's arborists prune and care for these trees and plant new ones. See a street tree in need of attention? Contact MCDOT's Division of Highway Services. E-Bikes Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions A new study shows that just a 15 percent shift to electric bicycles would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 12 percent. Take advantage of MCDOT's Bikeshare for commuting and running errands to help our environment. Bikeshare makes the first mile/last mile of a commute much easier. To view the Bikeshare station map visit ow.ly/bht730qKQEv. Volunteers Needed Want to help your neighbors during this difficult time? Learn about volunteer opportunities, including those for non-medical volunteers, through the Montgomery County Volunteer Center. Register if you're an organization that needs volunteers, and get useful guidance. Attention MARC Train Commuters Have you had a chance to check out the new MARC train tracker app? Marctracker.com provides real-time train locations. Download the app at mta.maryland.gov/transit. For transportation updates Visit MCDOT's COVID-19 website at montgomerycountymd.gov /DOT/covid19.html. If you have issues in your neighborhood such as a downed tree, sidewalk damage, streetlight or sign damage, pot hole or overgrown foliage blocking signs, call 311 or report it online at montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

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

MCDOT's Transportation Go Montgomery! Newsletter - August 12, 2020

State and Federal Agencies to Hold In-Person and Virtual Joint Public Hearings in August and September on I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Study The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the State Highway Administration (SHA) and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will jointly host two in-person and four virtual public hearings in August and September on the I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Study Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The managed lanes study is examining the feasibility of adding tolled lanes to portions of I-495 and I-270. Virtual public hearing dates are scheduled for August 18, 20, 25, and September 3. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will participate in the virtual public hearing on Tuesday, August 25. One in-person event each is scheduled in Montgomery (September 10) and Prince George’s counties (September 1). For both the in-person and virtual public hearings, residents will have three minutes to provide testimony and registration is required in advance. Hearing materials can be viewed at the document availability locations or on the event page website. MCDOT Expands Ride On Bus Service MCDOT increased bus service across the County to include some level of service on all Ride On and Ride On Extra-branded routes, although trip frequencies and hours remain reduced. Flex bus remains suspended. Visit the schedule webpage for detailed information montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/schedules.html.  MCDOT encourages essential trips only. Passengers are required to wear a face covering to board and must continue wearing the covering for their entire trip. All buses will supply face coverings for those who cannot provide their own. Maintain maximum physical distance between other riders. Board at the rear door of the bus, except for those who require ramp access. Ride On services remain free.   MCDOT Works With COVID Corps Youth Employees  MCDOT now has Covid Corps youth employees stationed at the Silver Spring Transit Center on weekday mornings and afternoons to provide Ride On and other transportation program information. These transit ambassadors also help to monitor MCDOT's e-scooter pilot program in the Silver Spring business district to ensure that the vehicles are properly parked, answer questions and report to MCDOT on observed use of the e-scooters. MCDOT is glad to have their support and to support youth employment opportunities during the health crisis. Stop and say hello if you see them out and about in their green shirts, and feel free to ask them transportation questions or share your feedback with them.   MCDOT's Streetlight Conversion Yields Financial Savings and Reduces GHG Emissions MCDOT recently completed its Countywide conversion of streetlights from predominately high pressure sodium (HPS) to light-emitting diode (LED). LED streetlights offer many benefits, including greater energy efficiency and longer life expectancy. While they are slightly more expensive up-front, LEDs are more cost-effective in the long-run. Read Julia Henderson's article from MyGreenMontgomery.org.   State Highway Administration Begins Project on River Road Designed to Improve Safety; Drivers Should Expect Traffic Delays Drivers are advised that they may encounter traffic delays on River Road (MD 190) as the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) constructs a $1.9 million roadway safety improvement project between Braeburn Parkway and Pyle Road in Bethesda. There will be temporary single-lane closures on weekdays between 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. and multiple-lane closures overnight between 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. until Spring 2021. Learn more.   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 Red Line Closures Planned Through Friday Red Line customers should allow additional travel time as Metro performs around-the-clock track work. The Medical Center and Bethesda Metrorail stations will be closed through August 14. Free shuttle buses will replace trains between the Grosvenor-Strathmore and Friendship Heights stations, with stops at the Medical Center and Bethesda stations. Learn more at ow.ly/sCJW30r30Ec.   MCDOT's Bike Match Program Needs Bike Donations Do you have a bike you no longer use? Bike Match MoCo is a new, free service that enables people with extra or unused bicycles to be matched with individuals who have expressed a need for bicycles for essential travel. More than 300 residents have requested bikes. Please fill out the online form if you are able to help by making a donation. Visit ow.ly/juwB30r2S7e.   Ride On’s Executive Administrative Assistant, Nikkia Carver Recognized for Outstanding Service Every week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Kleine recognize County employees who are “High Risers” -- those who have risen to the challenge of the COVID-19 health crisis. MCDOT is very proud that Executive Administration Assistant NikKia Carver has been recognized for her hard work and commitment in providing our community exceptional service. Learn more.   MCDOT Construction Project Temporarily Closes Section of Matthew Henson Trail in Aspen Hill Culvert repair will close a section of the Matthew Henson Trail at Turkey Branch Parkway and Grenoble Drive. For more information visit ow.ly/D3nG30r2bqJ.   MDTA Tolls are Now All Electric Full-time, all-electronic tolling is now permanent at Maryland Transportation Authority facilities statewide. With all-electronic tolling, drivers do not stop to pay tolls, preventing delays, reducing congestion and climate impacts, and reducing overall travel time. Instead, tolls are collected through E-ZPass and video tolling. The state is urging motorists to sign up with E-ZPass Maryland to pay tolls electronically at ezpassmd.com. Learn more.   Are You Prepared for the Next Summer Storm? Hurricane Isaias hit Montgomery County last week and MCDOT staff activated its Storm Operations Center to support safety across the County. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Make sure you are prepared for the next storm: Sign up to receive emergency communications through Alert Montgomery, Take time to view these storm preparation tips,  Prepare an emergency kit. MEMA reminds Maryland residents to make sure emergency kits include at least 2 face coverings for each person, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and other COVID-19 related supplies in addition to the usual disaster supply kit components. Be sure to check @MCDOTNow on Twitter for real-time updates on impacted roadways, bus routes, or subsequent cleanup efforts.   Transportation in the Region is at a Crossroads; From Metro Funding Crisis to Telework’s Rise, Transportation is in Historic Turmoil A historic drop in transit ridership and a sudden shift to teleworking thanks to the pandemic have caused an unprecedented level of financial hardships for transit systems across the US. How these system recovered will depend on the availability of aid from the federal government and to what extent telework continues after the pandemic. Read Washington Post August 10 article by Robert McCartney.   Maryland Congressional Delegation Requests $32 Billion More Relief Funding for U.S. Transit System Maryland’s congressional delegation is asking for an additional $32 billion in coronavirus relief funding for U.S. public transit systems. Read Baltimore Sun July 31 article by Colin Campbell. August 12, 2020 Please Fill Out Your Census Form to Help Montgomery County Per the Census Bureau, the date to complete your Census has been moved up to September 30. One in four households have not yet responded to the census – that means that Montgomery County could lose out on $4.6 billion in federal funding over the next 10 years for schools, hospitals, roads and social services. It is vitally important that everyone participate by September 30. Learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/ census or respond now.  Residents Reminded to Wear Face Coverings  Ride On buses supply a face covering to riders who do not have one. MCDOT has distributed more than 170,000 face coverings to passengers since the start of COVID19 health crisis. 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. Reminder for Capital Crescent Trail Users The Capital Crescent Trail at Little Falls Parkway is closed temporarily for construction of an elevated crosswalk. The project is expected to take several weeks. Look for detour on trail. For more information visit ow.ly/KRJM30qZzf0. WABA Offers Online Resources for Purchasing and Maintaining Your Bike Check out this great online resource from WABA on "How to Buy a Bike". The bike you select should feel comfortable for your body, fit your budget, and make you happy to ride.  Also, on August 13 join WABA for an online class at 12 p.m.  WABA's Bike Ambassadors will walk you through how to do an ABC quick check on your bike. Learn how to perform some basic bike maintenance to make sure your bike is in good condition for your next ride. Did You Know? Are you interested in using both your bike and Ride On bus service during your commute or essential trip? Here's a short video on "How to load and unload your bike on a Ride On bus bike rack" Did you know Metro buses use the same rack system? Watch the video at ow.ly/UfLZ30r3PX0. Are You Carpooling or Using Other Shared Transportation Like a Shuttle or Bus to Get to Work? Learn how to protect yourself and riders from #COVID19 while on the move visit go.usa.gov/xfEBq. Are You Wearing Your Face Mask Correctly? Masks are required to ride public transportation, when carpooling and carsharing. A properly fitted mask covers both your mouth and nose. Watch Officer Dr. Travis Gayles demonstrate how to wear a face covering online at buff.ly/3kxL4rj. For Transportation Updates Visit MCDOT's COVID-19 website at montgomerycountymd.gov /DOT/covid19.html. If you have issues in your neighborhood such as down tree, sidewalk damage, pot hole, overgrowth foliage blocking signage call 311 (from outside the County dial 240-777-0311) or report it online at  montgomerycountymd.gov/311. Vision Zero Offers Resources for Most Common Issues The Vision Zero website provides access to the most common MC311 service requests for sign, streetlight and signal issues, street, curb and sidewalk repairs, speed cameras and more, as well as links to relevant State and city websites.  Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.