MCDOT's Latest Transportation News "Go Montgomery!" is Now Available! December 14, 2020

 

MCDOT Posts Placards on Ride On Buses to Commemorate Rosa Parks Day in Montgomery County Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Montgomery County Council President Sidney Katz issued a proclamation to recognize Rosa Parks, an American hero who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus on December 1, 1955. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin joined Elrich, Katz and others at a County Council presentation recognizing Parks’ moral clarity in the face of bigotry and oppression, which inspired millions to stand up for fundamental fairness. Learn more. Watch the reading of the proclamation starting at minute 48:45 in the online video. MCDOT Updates County Council Committees on Shared Streets Program  MCDOT, Montgomery Parks and Maryland Department of Transportation briefed the Montgomery County Council’s Transportation and Environment and Planning, Housing, and Economic Development committees on Dec. 10, on their experiences in creating the Shared/Open Streets programs and provided a preview on what to expect for these programs over the upcoming winter months. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, Acting Deputy Director for Policy Hannah Henn and Planning Specialist Kyle Lukacs discussed the adjustments that have been made since the program started from resident input.  MCDOT’s Shared Streets converts sections of streets in the county’s downtown areas to pedestrian-only spaces in an effort to provide restaurants and residents safe spaces for outdoor dining, recreation, safe social opportunities during the COVID-19 health crisis.  Outdoor dining is a part of the Shared Streets program in Bethesda and Wheaton, and other jurisdictions such as Rockville City and Takoma Park have supported outdoor dining on local streets. MCDOT also offers residents a chance to turn their street into a temporary shared street by submitting application for a permit. Learn more at  montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets. MCDOT Shared Streets Still Open This Winter  Many local restaurants and businesses continue to rely on MCDOT’s Shared Streets program for curbside access and space for outdoor dining. Shared Streets temporarily adjusts the uses of roadways to support activities such as biking, walking, outdoor dining and recreation. All in-street activity must comply with public health guidance during the COVID-19 health crisis. See the locations of Shared Streets and learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets. Webinar Recording Available On-Demand: Transportation Options During COVID-19 for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities  The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, MCDOT and the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Connect-A-Ride program recently held a webinar followed by a public question and answer session to discuss the many transportation options and resources available for older residents and adults with disabilities. The session highlighted information on changes in transportation services and safety practices in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. Learn more about the session and watch the recording at your convenience at youtu.be/xKB8CWMg0y8.  MCDOT’s Leaf Collection to Be Completed On Schedule This year’s mild fall weather helped MCDOT’s leafing crews to anticipate completing leaf collection this week. Watch this video about the program.  Learn more and check out the video on how to prepare leaves properly and why it is important to keep leaf piles clear of trash and off of the streets.   While leaf collection has concluded for the year, there are still year-round options for bagged leaf collection with paper lawn bags on your recycling day or by bringing leaves in brown paper bags or reusable containers to the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Another option is mowing them into your lawn and leaving them in place to fertilize your yard naturally.  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 good exercise. montgomerycountymd.gov/leafing   Virtual Public Meeting Planned for Dec. 16 on Dennis Avenue Bridge Replacement and Wheaton Branch Flood Mitigation Project in Silver Spring  On Wednesday, December 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m., MCDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will discuss two joint projects -- the Dennis Avenue Bridge Replacement and Wheaton Branch Flood Mitigation. Staff will present information on the scope, preliminary design, maintenance of traffic during construction, estimated costs and schedules. Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback. Online registration is required. Learn more.   MCDOT and Forbes Offer Information for Teleworkers  Working From Home During The Coronavirus Pandemic, What You Need To Know - Whether you’re a first-time telecommuter struggling to be as productive from your couch as you are from your cube, or a manager looking for ways to keep your newly remote team engaged, this is your guide to working from home.  5 Tips To Balance Remote Working While Your Family Is Also At Home - Never before has it been so challenging to strike a balance between the professional and the personal, but there are five steps everyone can take to juggle it all.   Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many employers have quickly implemented telework programs – with little to no preparation. Supervisors may find it challenging to manage staff resources while so many of your employees are working remotely and wonder what types of technology solutions, organizational structure or communications strategies might help you and your staff be more productive under these circumstances. Watch our webinar for helpful guidelines to start and manage your telework program. As an employee, are you finding it challenging to manage your workload and manager’s expectations? Wonder what types of technology solutions, organizational structure or communications strategies might help you to be more productive under these circumstances? Watch our webinar for guidelines to help you telework productively. Webinars can be found online at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/commuter/telework/index.html. Temporary Partial Closure of MCDOT's Auburn-Del Ray Garage in Bethesda  MCDOT's Division of Parking Management will be conducting necessary repairs in the Auburn-Del Ray Garage (Garage 36) in Bethesda. The garage will be closed to the public from the entrance ramp upwards from Dec.15 at 5:00 a.m. to Dec.16 at 5:00 p.m. Only the ADA Spaces on the ground floor will be available. The garage will be partially closed to the public on Friday, December 18 from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Neighborhood Activity Grants Available Until June 2021  Neighborhood organizations, block groups, tenant or civic groups, and similar organizations are eligible to apply for matching grants of up to $1,000 for events and activities that promote community engagement, encourage capacity-building and networking and stimulate the local economy. Virtual and hybrid events qualify. Learn more and apply here. Take a Survey About I-495 and the American Legion Bridge Maryland and Virginia are seeking public input about potential solutions to reduce congestion on the I-495- American Legion bridge, improve trip reliability and regional connections, and enhance existing and planned multi-modal mobility and connectivity. Take the survey.   Bird E-Scooters Now Accept PayPal   Micromobility riders around the world can now set PayPal as their preferred payment option for their Bird account. Learn more by visiting the Bird Cities blog. Montgomery Parks Open This Winter Stay fit this holiday! Use almost seven miles of Montgomery Parks roads that are closed to vehicles 9 a.m. Fridays through 4 p.m. Sundays throughout the COVID-19 health crisis for walkers, bikers and runners, include: Beach Drive from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue (2.7 miles) Sligo Creek Parkway (2.6 miles) Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, subscribe to MCDOT news releases or subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter. December 14, 2020 Follow MCDOT on Twitter at twitter.com/MCDOTNow, subscribe to MCDOT NEWS releases and/or visit montgomerycountymd.gov.dot. MCDOT’s Holiday Schedule for Christmas and New Year Holidays County Offices - Closed  Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Ride On/Ride On extRa/ Flash Service - Will not operate after 10 pm on Dec. 24. Operates on a Sunday schedule Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. View the holiday brochure for details. TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center - Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.       TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.  Parking at Montgomery County public garages, lots and curbside meters - Normal parking fees and regulations in effect on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Free on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. View more schedule changes. Did You Know? Capital Bikeshare offers Corporate Memberships to companies. Many local companies, agencies and non-profits enroll in their corporate membership program to offer Bikeshare as a benefit for their employees. Learn more. Commuters can use the free WiFi on FLASH to be more productive during their trip to work. They'll have time to reply to emails, catch up with colleagues and plan their workday. Learn more. MCDOT added its first four electric buses to the Ride On fleet. Each of the 35-foot buses producees zero emissions and contributes to reducing noise pollution through their noticeably quiet operation. Learn more. MCDOT has a list of all the bicycle, motorcycle and accessible spaces in County-owned garages and parking lots in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton and Montgomery Hills. Learn more. 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 connect with individuals who can use the bicycle for commuting or running errands. Currently, more than 300 residents need a bike. If you have one to donate, fill out the online form at montgomerycountymd.gov/ dot-dir/commuter/bikeshare/ bikematch.html. Get Some Exercise While Improving Biking Looking for a way to help your fellow bicyclists while improving bicycling in Montgomery County?  Contribute to RackSpotter – an app that displays neighborhood bike racks. Log into RackSpotter, take a picture and enter the location. During the past month MCDOT's Commuter Services has logged over 200 bike racks into RackSpotter, visit  ow.ly/QELw30rg7f5. Make This Holiday Season Greener   MCDOT is promoting the County’s  annual “Gift Outside the Box” campaign with ads on Ride On buses.The campaign encourages everyone to gift greener this holiday season by supporting local businesses, making more sustainable choices and reducing one's carbon footprint by using alternatives to driving alone. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household waste in the U.S. increases an average of 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Get ideas for environmentally friendly gift-giving online. CDC Urges Action NOW to Fight Rapidly Rising COVID-19 Cases   Do your part:   Wear a mask over your mouth AND nose.   Stay six feet away from others.   Wash your hands.  Stay home if you can.  Get the facts.  County Health Officials Offer COVID-19 Holiday Safety Tips   Celebrating the holidays during the pandemic can be challenging as we try to keep ourselves, family and friends safe. Check out the following suggestions on what to consider when planning your holiday celebration. Read more.  Distracted Driving Way Up During the Pandemic  A new study finds that a shocking 27 percent of all drivers were using their cell phones within 60 seconds of impact — and transportation safety leaders are doing almost nothing to stop it, despite a preponderance of proven strategies. Read article by Kea Wilson. Have you ridden the FLASH and have feedback? Be sure to call 311. If you're calling from outside Montgomery County please dial 240-777-0311. To report down trees, sidewalk or curb damage, streetlight outage, traffic or pedestrian signal timing issues, street or traffic sign damage or foliage obstruction and pot holes or have feedback on FLASH or the Ride On bus services call 311 or report it online at montgomerycountymd.gov/ 311. For transportation updates related to COVID-19 health crisis, visit MCDOT's transportation resource page for COVID-19. 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.