 MCDOT, the Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Councilmember Craig Rice, introduced new dedicated bus lanes at the Germantown Transit Center.  The lanes, which have been painted red and are located on Crystal Rock Drive, Century Boulevard, and Aircraft Drive, allow buses to easily access the transit center. Red pavement markings are a proven tool to improve compliance with bus lanes and increase bus speeds. Red bus lanes installed in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York, Chicago, San Diego County and elsewhere have improved bus operations. A special paint that includes glass particles is used to create a high-friction surface. The glass also helps filter out UV rays, adding to the longevity of color. “This is the debut project in the Bus Priority Program, which provides for targeted and quickly implementable improvements that make buses faster and more reliable,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Future Bus Priority projects may include additional bus lanes, queue jumps, passenger boarding and alighting improvements, implementation of transit signal priority, enhanced bus stops and other similar capital improvements that will result in improved bus operations throughout Montgomery County.” A Flash bus decorated for the holidays was also featured at the event. Flash is a recently implemented bus that operates in a designated corridor with preset stops and upgraded high-capacity buses. Flash currently operates on Colesville Road/ Columbia Pike (US 29) and Lockwood Drive, with destinations including Downtown Silver Spring, Four Corners, White Oak, Fairland and Burtonsville. Additional Flash corridors are in the early planning stages. Residents are encouraged to look for engagement opportunities with MCDOT to help shape future public transportation projects such as future Flash Bus service corridors and the Ride On Reimagined bus study through upcoming community feedback opportunities. Learn more here. |
 Montgomery County Urges Homeowners to be ‘Salt Wise’ During Winter Storms to Reduce Impact on the Environment and Drinking WaterMCDOT, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and WSSC Water are urging homeowners to be “Salt Wise” and use less salt on sidewalks and driveways during winter storms. Salt runs off into storm drains, local streams, and eventually, to the Potomac and Patuxent rivers, which are drinking water sources for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Salt can corrode concrete and masonry, harm pets, damage surrounding plants and lawns, and adversely impact the water supply. Local water filtration plants are unable to remove salt from the water. The Salt Wise campaign is a simple three-step method for residents to keep sidewalks and driveways safe while also reducing harm to the environment, view the tips above and learn more here. MCDOT manages the County’s snowstorm response and has implemented steps to reduce salt usage such as the use of brine to pretreat roads, installing rubber bumpers on all snow plows allowing for early plowing and staff and contractor training on salt usage. Learn more by reading this WTOP article here. Residents can call 311 if they see large piles of salt accidentally spilled onto roadways. MCDOT will dispatch a cleanup crew. |
 These changes will be implemented in stages over the following months in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. Parking revenues go directly to the management, maintenance and improvements of parking programs and services. A portion also goes to supplement other County programs such as the Urban Districts, which support streetscape improvements, lighting maintenance and clean-and-safe crews throughout downtown areas. MCDOT operates public parking in the County and will modify the hourly rates. Rate increases are calculated based on the parking district's budget. Learn more here. |
 MCDOT and Department of Planning Win Community Award for the Montgomery County Complete Streets Design GuideThe Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards celebrate significant achievements by individuals, businesses, organizations and local governments to realize the 12 planning visions adopted by the Maryland General Assembly. The annual awards promote exemplary work that represents or inspires collaboration, innovation, conservation, community impact and quality of life. The Growth Awards are the highest level of recognition for well-planned economic and community development and sustainability in the state. MCDOT created a Complete Streets Guide in partnership with Planning. The guide provides policy and design guidance on the planning, design, and operation of county roadways. Complete Streets is an extremely important tool in support of the County’s Vision Zero program to make walking in Montgomery County safe for people of all ages and abilities. View the Complete Streets Design Guide and presentation. |
 MCDOT's E-Scooter Pilot Program Expands to GermantownBird e-scooters are now available in Germantown, Maryland. Download the Bird App to check pricing, locate the nearest e-scooter, review safety videos and learn the correct way to park after reaching your destination. Scan the QR code above or visit bird.co. MCDOT's Commuter Services staff created a video that includes helpful tips and e-scooter rules. Watch the video here. |
 JOIN OUR TEAM! MCDOT is Hiring Ride On Bus OperatorsMCDOT has immediate openings for full-time and part-time Ride On bus operators. The positions offer applicants 21-and-over paid CDL license training, a competitive benefits package and a fun, supportive atmosphere, with ongoing professional development opportunities. For this and other MCDOT jobs go to MCG Careers and view a video on how to apply here.  Public Invited to Virtual Hearing On the Franklin Avenue Sidewalk Project on Dec. 16Join us tonight, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will discuss the proposed construction of the Franklin Avenue Sidewalk Project between Colesville Road (US 29) and University Boulevard (MD 193) in Silver Spring. The proposed sidewalk will enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists accessing bus stops and nearby destinations. In addition, this project includes the installation of a new curb, gutter and storm drain system. The public may provide written or oral testimony. Learn more and register to attend here. |
 Public Invited to Virtual Meeting on Phase 2 of the US 29 Mobility and Reliability Study on Thursday, Dec. 16Join us tonight, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT staff will discuss a study of the US 29 corridor to further refine and identify preferred alternatives. MCDOT staff and consultants will present the roadway and transit improvements that have been considered to date, the results of a previous study, and additional improvements being considered. MCDOT is seeking public feedback on these improvements. The goal of the study is to identify improvements on US 29 that complement the investment in the US 29 Flash Bus Line from Burtonsville to the Silver Spring Transit Center. It will also look to improve corridor travel time and increase pedestrian and bicycle access and safety. Previous work has included a review of a bus and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) concept for US 29, a dedicated median bus lane as well as various pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Learn more and register to attend here. |
 MCDOT’s Leaf Collection to Be Completed By End of DecemberMCDOT crews have collected 75,000 cubic yards of leaves since Nov. 8 and will end the collections by the end of next week. Watch this video about the program. Year-round options for bagged leaf collection with paper lawn bags on your recycling day or by bringing leaves to the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Another option is mowing them into your lawn and leaving them in place to fertilize your yard. If you are looking for a way to help your community, but still want to remain socially distanced and outdoors, please consider reaching out to your elderly neighbors or neighbors with disabilities to ask if they need help raking their leaves. Raking leaves is a great way to help others while getting exercise. Learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/leafing. |
 Montgomery County Residents Make Transit Recommendations in I-270 ForumAt a public forum last week on Montgomery County’s transit plan for the I-270 corridor, residents called for more MARC services on the Frederick and Brunswick lines, additional public transit and road capacity upcounty. Read the Bethesda Beat article here. |
METRO UPDATES Metro to Reopen Shady Grove and Rockville Stations on Jan. 16 During the closures, Metro is demolishing the canopy at Rockville station, erecting a new steel canopy structure, and completing customer improvements, including installation of new information screens, brighter lighting, and modern fare gates. Learn more here. Parking is free at the stations while closed and free bus shuttle service will continue to operate at Shady Grove, Rockville and Twinbrook stations throughout the project. For alerts and updates, visit wmata.com/alerts. Metro Schedule Changes to Start on Dec. 26 Metro is making schedule changes to 49 Metrobus routes on Dec. 26, to improve service reliability, including several route changes and bus stop relocations. Additionally, one route will be suspended. Learn more here. Metro Begins to Restore 7000-Series Trains to Service The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) has informed Metro that it has no technical objections to the final plan submitted to gradually return nearly half of the 7000-series railcars to passenger service with the metered release of no more than 336 railcars. This will provide an additional 42 trains for more frequent, reliable service. Learn more here. |
PROJECT UPDATESMCDOT's Residential Roadway Repair Program This program provides permanent patching and/or resurfacing of residential roadways using durable hot mix asphalt, or micro seal resurfacing to restore long-term structural integrity to the aging residential infrastructure. Residential paving projects start this week in Bethesda, Germantown, Kensington, and Colesville. View a list of neighborhoods here. MCDOT's Waverly Garage 47 Rehabilitation Project Still Underway in Bethesda On Dec. 13, approximately 130 parking spaces reopened on the the roof, and the level below the roof of the garage located at 7401 Waverly Street. The garage entrances are on Waverly Street and Montgomery Avenue. The other levels will remain closed as work continues. Temporarily displaced long-term parkers are encouraged to use other nearby parking facilities, including the Metropolitan Garage (Garage 49) and Cheltenham Garage (Garage 42). Visit the project webpage for details and to sign up to receive project updates. Baltimore Road Reopened as Construction Continues Drivers and pedestrians are now permitted to use Baltimore Road between Gladstone Drive and Broadwood Drive. The road closed in June while a construction crew replaced the roadway culvert at the stream crossing near Rockville Cemetery, relocated water lines, installed storm drain connections and installed new curb, gutter and a pervious sidewalk between First Street and Woodburn Road. Work will still continue, even after the road's opening. Read the Rockville Patch article here for more details. A Portion of US 29 (Colesville Road) and Sligo Creek Parkway to Close for WSSC Work in Silver Spring There will be lane closures on northbound and southbound US 29 (Colesville Road) from Greyrock Drive to Sligo Creek on Thursday, Dec. 16 between 8 p.m. – 5 a.m. Additionally, WSSC will be paving on Friday, Dec. 17 between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 18 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Questions regarding this work are directed to Melissa Horst, Project Manager at 410-795-1761.  Amtrak Prepares for Possible Service Cuts as Employee Vaccination Deadline NearsUp to six percent of the railroad’s workforce could face termination for failure to show proof of vaccination as a Jan. 4 deadline nears. Read the Washington Post article here. |
 Montgomery County Planning Board Briefed on Bicycle Master Plan Implementation ProgressThe 2019-2020 Bicycle Master Plan Biennial Monitoring Report is released every two years and evaluates progress in advancing the goals and objectives of the Bicycle Master Plan, as well as implementing recommendations for bikeways, bicycle parking, and bicycle-supportive programs and policies. The Bicycle Master Plan sets forth a vision for Montgomery County where residents have access to a comfortable, safe and connected bicycle network. The plan is a key element in Montgomery County’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. |
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