Montgomery County Honors Veterans with Operation Green Light MCDOT Ride On Bus
On Wednesday, Jan. 6, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and members of the County Council joined the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders for MCDOT's unveiling of the Ride On “Operation Green Light” themed bus at a ceremony to honor veterans.
Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties, honors veterans for their immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 4-11, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans.
The bus is wrapped in a design depicting the U.S. flag, an outline of veterans, and highlighting Operation Green Light. The bus also features a neon sign reading ”Operation Green Light” to illuminate the bus at night. The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs website and resource line is printed on the back of the bus.
In addition, all Ride On buses will have informational advertising cards on board with QR codes and a phone number for information for veterans resources and services that can be accessed by calling Serving Together at 855-738-7176 or visiting the Commission on Veterans Affairs website.
The Operation Green Light bus will be deployed on bus routes throughout Montgomery County. Riders hoping to catch the Operation Green Light bus can follow @MCDOTNow on social media to find out where the bus is scheduled to run.
Look for photos of the Ride On Operation Green Light bus in motion on the MCDOT social media channels or by following the #OperationGreenLight hashtag. Riders are encouraged to post and share their bus photos in support.
MCDOT Extends Service Hours on the Great Seneca Ride On extRa Lime Route Beginning Sunday, Nov. 17
MCDOT is excited to announce that the Great Seneca Ride On extRa Lime route, which runs between Shady Grove Metro and the Traville Gateway Drive via Brochart Road and Medical Center Way, will now offer extended service hours until 10:10 p.m. starting Sunday, Nov. 17. This change will make it easier for riders to enjoy later trips to and from Downtown Crown, Rio and the Life Science Center.
During weekday peak rush hour periods, this route has service every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends.
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MCDOT Begins Leaf Vacuum Collection in Specific Areas
MCDOT began its annual leaf vacuuming program on Monday, Nov. 11, and will continue collections through December in specified areas. There will be two collections on each collection district street.
To access the collection schedule, residents may use the County’s new MC311 online chatbot, Monty 2.0 with GIS features or by entering their street address on the MCDOT leafing page. The map and collection information can also be found online on the MCDOT Leaf Collection webpage.
The leaf vacuum collection district is bounded by I-495; I-270; the Rockville City limits; Norbeck, Bel Pre and Bonifant roads; Northwest Branch Park; and the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County lines.
Before collection begins in a neighborhood, MCDOT will post signs along streets directing residents to the online leaf collection map for collection information. Residents are asked to pile leaves near the street but off of roads, sidewalks or bike lanes. Leaves in these areas can disrupt traffic, pose a safety hazard for cyclists and pedestrians, negatively impact stormwater drainage, and become a fire hazard for automobiles parked over them.
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Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program Seeking Montgomery County High School Students for Program to Improve Traffic Safety
MCDOT is seeking up to 35 County high school students to serve as “Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors.” The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.
Interested public, private and home-schooled high school students can learn about the program and apply online.
The County’s Vision Zero Initiative aims to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths. Youth Ambassadors have an opportunity to help the County achieve this goal by becoming road safety leaders in their communities.
Youth Ambassadors are tasked with completing a safety-related group project that will ultimately culminate in a Safety Day event to educate Montgomery County residents about staying safe while walking, biking and driving. Resources and project guidance are provided by the County.
There is no cost to participate, and students can earn up to 35 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
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MCDOT Wins Regional ‘Commuter Connections’ Award
MCDOT’s Commuter Services office was recognized for a second year in a row by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Commuter Connections program with the Employer Services Outreach Team Achievement Award for its outstanding work in creating and promoting commute alternative programs with employers. The award was part of Commuter Connections’ 50th anniversary celebration at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 2.
Montgomery County businesses interested in expanding commuter options and benefits are urged to reach out to MCDOT’s for more information, or to enroll in the FareShare program, by calling 240-777-8382 or emailing .
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Ride On Shuttles Will Serve Second Avenue Due to Detours Caused by Spring Street Bridge Rebuilding
Due to the closure and rebuilding of the Spring Street bridge in Silver Spring, MCDOT Ride On bus routes 1, 5, 11, 18 and 28 have experienced detours since Friday, June 7 and will last until spring 2025. To assist those impacted by the bridge closure, a shuttle is serving Second Avenue, operating every 30 minutes in 2 shifts: midday from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and evening from 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
View the detour maps online here.
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Cut Invasive Vines to Save Trees
Montgomery County has long had a problem with invasive vines killing trees. Invasive vines crawl up a tree, taking over the tree's resources and eventually strangling branches until the tree is dead.
As a property owner, or renter with permission from your landlord, you can fairly easily cut vines on trees on your private property. The vine should be cut at the base of the tree and then again at shoulder height, to prevent it from regenerating. Be careful not to cut the tree or its bark. There is no need to pull the vine down. Once the vine is cut, it will dry up and eventually fall off the tree. Pulling a vine is a safety hazard and can bring down tree branches. It is important that residents use gloves, as some vines like poison ivy, can cause rashes if touched. Additionally, properly dispose of the cut portion of the vine in the trash as it may regenerate if left on the ground.
Learn more and watch a video on how to cut vines on MCDOT's webpage.
If you see vines on trees within the County's right-of-way, please call MC311 by dialing 311 (or 240-777-0311) and MCDOT will send an arborist to cut them.
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New Public Art Project Unveiled in Bethesda!
The downtown Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District announced its latest public art initiative: The Signal Box Public Art Project. Artists from DC, MD, and VA submitted their designs for consideration, and a selection committee chose 15 incredible artists from the very talented pool of applicants. Their designs were then printed on vinyl and "wrapped" around the traffic signal boxes at 15 intersections throughout Downtown Bethesda. View photos of the art online here.
MCDOT manages these signal boxes to ensure traffic flows seamlessly and decreases traffic congestions and rear end collisions and increases rush hour travel speeds by 14-20%.
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In-Person Public Meeting on the 13th Street / Burlington Avenue Separated Bike Lanes Project in Silver Spring to be Held on Thursday, Nov. 14
On Thursday, Nov. 14, starting at 7 p.m., the MCDOT will hold an in-person public meeting at the Montgomery College Health Sciences Building, 7977 Georgia Ave., to review plans on the 13th Street/Burlington Avenue Separated Bike Lanes in Silver Spring. MCDOT will present the plan and design and its potential impacts to the community.
The proposed bike lanes will connect the South Silver Spring neighborhood to Fenton Village and the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The project will add separated bike lanes to 13th Street and Burlington Avenue in Silver Spring, between Eastern Avenue and Fenton Street. The bike lanes will be one-way on either side of the street and will be separated from traffic by a raised median. A construction timeframe has not yet been set.
Feedback and questions may be submitted by Friday, Nov. 29 to the Project Manager, Matt Johnson by email at Matt.Johnson@montgomerycountymd.gov.
All information provided including questions and public feedback will become a matter of public record. Materials will be posted to the project webpage no later than 5 p.m. the day of the meeting.
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In-Person Community Meeting on Two School Walkability Studies on Thursday, Dec. 5
On Thursday, Dec. 5 starting at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT will present the findings of school walkability studies for Rosemary Hills and Rock Creek Forest elementary schools in Silver Spring. The meeting will be held at the Rosemary Hills Elementary School, All Purpose Room located at 2111 Porter Road in Silver Spring.
At the community meeting, MCDOT will show the study findings and discuss the sidewalk and safety needs of students walking and biking to the studied schools. Each of the walkability studies reviewed the condition of existing infrastructure and recommended improvements that may be implemented within the school walkshed to provide safe and accessible routes for students walking and biking to school. This community meeting will help County staff better understand safety needs and plan future sidewalk and safety improvement projects within the school walkshed.
Registration is not required. Public feedback and information provided will become a matter of public record. The public can view all walkability studies online here.
Comments and questions may be submitted by email to walkyourway@montgomerycountymd.gov or by phone 240-777-2192 by Saturday, Dec. 30.
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Virtual Public Meeting on the Greentree Road Bridge Replacement Project in Bethesda to be Held on Tuesday, Dec. 10
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, starting at 7 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual (online) public information meeting to discuss the proposed Greentree Road Bridge replacement project (Bridge No. M-0180) over Bulls Run in Bethesda. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions.
Online registration is required to attend. The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback via the online comment form or via email to the Project Manager, Rashid Abramov at Rashid.Abramov@montgomerycountymd.gov. All information provided will become a matter of public record.
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National Capital Region Planning Board Community Advisory Committee Accepting Member Applications Through Monday, Dec. 2
The National Capital Region Planning Board (TPB) is currently accepting applications for new members for the TPB Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC is a group of 24 residents of the metropolitan Washington region who represent diverse viewpoints on regional transportation issues. CAC members represent environmental, business, and civic interests in transportation. Learn more on the CAC webpage.
For questions contact Laura Bachle at 202-962-3273 or lbachle@mwcog.org.
MARYLAND STATE HIGHWAY
Maryland Department of Transportation Hosts Public Meeting to Offer Update on Georgia Avenue (MD 97) Bus Lanes Pilot Project
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, in conjunction with MCDOT and Metro, will host a public meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 to update the public and gather feedback on the ongoing Georgia Avenue Bus Lane Pilot project.
The meeting will be held at the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission headquarters located at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.
The bus-only lanes were installed in late spring 2024 during the summer Red Line Metro closure that temporarily closed several Metro stations. The bus lanes were extended to the end of a year as a pilot to allow for data gathering during normal travel conditions.
Corridor Identified for Safety Improvements in Statewide Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host a public informational workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 to provide information and gather community input to improve pedestrian access and safety along University Boulevard (MD 193).
The workshop will be held at the Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center located at 1000 Forest Glen Road in Silver Spring.
The MD 193 corridor between MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) and US 29 (Colesville Road) is planned for safety improvements as part of the State Highway Administration’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, which identifies areas of need and prioritizes corridors for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects.
Maryland Transportation Officials to Strengthen Bay Bridge Safety Amid Growing Risks
The Maryland Transportation Authority is currently in the planning stages of a $145 million pier protection project aimed at safeguarding the 70-year-old Bay Bridge from modern ship strikes. Read the ABC 7 News article here.
Purple Line Construction Will Lead to Traffic Delays on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring Through January
A temporary traffic shift on Georgia Avenue (MD 97) between Silver Spring Avenue and Wayne Avenue (MD 594) will be in place until January 2025 due to construction related to the Purple Line. Work will typically occur from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. but may continue nights and weekends, as necessary.
Travel will be reduced to two lanes in either direction and shift to the west around the work zone at Bonifant Street. The traffic shift will facilitate utility and track installation across Georgia Avenue. Pedestrian detours will be in place around the work zone. Access to businesses will be maintained and some parking will remain on Georgia Avenue.
METRO
Metro Considers Running Trains Earlier on Weekends
In the long term, there’s a lot of funding that’s going to be needed, and running trains an hour earlier on weekends would cost about $3 million per year. It’s unclear how that cost would translate to riders or taxpayers. Read the NBC4 Washington article here.
Shuttle Plan Released for Blue, Orange, and Silver Line Construction Work That Closes Some Downtown Stations Dec. 20-30
Metro is releasing its shuttle bus plan for this December’s construction work downtown on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
Free local and express buses will replace trains during the 11-day construction project. Shuttle frequency will be every 8-10 minutes on weekdays and 8-12 minutes on weekends and holidays. Certain express shuttles won’t run on weekends and holidays. Shuttles will use the existing bus lanes on H and I streets to speed travel.
Construction will be completed in two phases from Dec. 20-26 and an extended construction zone from Dec. 27-30. Stations will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 31.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Rockville Unveiled Beall Avenue Roadway Safety Mural, Traffic-Calming Improvements on Sunday, Nov. 10
Project aims to revitalize street aesthetics, slow vehicles, increase pedestrian safety. Read MoCo360 article here.
Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DEP) Collects 1,050 Illegally Placed Signs During ‘Sign Sweep’
On Tuesday, Nov. 12 DEP removed signs were illegally placed in public rights-of-way throughout the County on County-maintained roads. DPS did not remove signs from private property. The collected signs were transported to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood for recycling.
Residents can report illegal signs at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps by clicking on the “property complaint” button. To report illegal signs along State roadways (roads that contain a number) submit a complaint form online here.
Planet-Warming Pollution Is Growing at the Fastest Rate in History, Scientists Say
Most of the growth comes from people burning coal, oil and gas, the report said.
Planet-warming pollution in Earth’s atmosphere last year hit the highest levels in human history, a worrying indicator of the world’s failure to curb climate change.
Read the Washington Post article here.
Transportation Costs Soared in Major US Cities Over the Past 10 Years
Transportation is the second largest household expense nationally, consuming 17% of average household spending and creating a cost burden for many low-income households in New York City and elsewhere.
Read the Smart Cities Dive article here.
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