MCDOT's Go Montgomery! Transportation Newsletter - Thursday, Nov. 17

 

Holiday Season Marks Beginning of Dangerous Driving Period for Fatal Alcohol-Related Crashes The extended Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year. Additionally, the evening before Thanksgiving has historically been one of the busiest nights for bars and restaurants, with high drinking rates. MCDOT and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) are reminding residents that high-risk activities, combined with the sheer number of drivers on the road, make it an especially dangerous time for alcohol-related collisions.   Montgomery County annually implements a “Holiday Task Force” in which officers from multiple agencies devote full-time and attention to detecting alcohol-related offenses. The Holiday Task Force begins operations before Thanksgiving each year and runs through New Year’s Day. County Police will establish sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout the holiday period. The night before Thanksgiving is especially dangerous. Called “Blackout Wednesday,” “Drinksgiving” and “Whiskey Wednesday” by public safety agencies, the nicknames have come to describe a cultural phenomenon in which heavy drinking takes place, and as a result, drunk driving-related crashes increase. “Although gas prices are higher than they were a year ago, they have fallen since the summer peak,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “That, coupled with pandemic fears waning, will have friends and families especially excited to gather around the Thanksgiving table this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a record number of travelers taking to the road next week. That high number coupled with the fact that about 30 percent of all our roadway fatalities involve drunk drivers is staggering and the problem seems to be getting worse. Nationally, 2020 saw a 14 percent increase in drunk driving deaths compared to the year before. Impaired driving puts all roadway users at risk—and is completely preventable.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 185 people were killed during the 2020 Thanksgiving weekend (6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, through 5:59 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30). From 2016-20, nationally, 821 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday periods.  Each year, more than 20,000 people are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses in Maryland. Penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Maryland could include jail time, significant fines, mandatory ignition interlock and license suspension.   The County’s Vision Zero effort to prevent death and injury on Montgomery County roadways offers a listing of local safe rides on its website here.  The County is asking parents to emphasize to youth under age 21 that underage drinking can lead to serious consequences. Information about how to help prevent underage drinking, through communication and creating an action plan, is available from the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking website.  Learn more here.  MCDOT Wins Michael F. Dwyer Excellence in Preservation Award MCDOT recently won the Montgomery Preservation Incorporated (MPI) 2021 Michael F. Dwyer Award for rehabilitating and preserving the historic Montevideo Road Bridge in Poolesville. MPI is Montgomery County’s nonprofit historic preservation organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the county’s architectural heritage and historic landscapes. MPI’s Board of Directors announced the winners at an awards event held on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Kensington Armory. The Montevideo Road bridge, constructed in 1910 across Dry Seneca Creek in Poolesville, is a one-lane Warren pony truss bridge on masonry abutments. While truss bridges were once standard in Maryland, this is the last remaining bridge of its kind in Montgomery County. It is in the National Register’s Seneca Historic District and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Montevideo Road is designated as an Exceptional Rustic Road and the bridge is a significant feature of the road. After a routine inspection uncovered a critical defect, MCDOT worked to repair the bridge and preserve it for future generations. MCDOT takes a systematic approach to bridge maintenance and performs routine maintenance on all 513 bridges in Montgomery County to discover, document, and correct structural vulnerabilities. Watch the awards video here.  Montgomery County High School Students Can Apply to MCDOT's ‘Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors’ Program to Improve Traffic Safety MCDOT is seeking up to 45 Montgomery County high school students to serve as “Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors.” The project-based learning program teaches teens leadership skills, the importance of roadway design, law enforcement, outreach and engagement techniques to address traffic safety needs in their community. Applications are now being accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 30. Interested public, private and home-schooled high school students can learn about the program and apply here. The program received 100 applications last year. The program supports the County’s Vision Zero Initiative, whose goal is to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths. Youth Ambassadors have an opportunity to help the County work toward the goal by becoming road safety leaders in their communities while earning 40 Student Service Learning credits. Learn more here. More Than 250 Montgomery County Residents Attended MCDOT-Sponsored Adult Bike and E-Scooter Safety Classes MCDOT recently completed the fall series of Adult Learn to Ride and Basic Skills bike classes and E-scooter Safety training classes. Combined, more than 250 residents participated and learned basic skills to safely navigate on a bicycle or an electric scooter. MCDOT partnered with the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) to lead six adult bike classes and with Bird, Lime and Spin to conduct four free e-scooter classes. Classes were held at different locations throughout the County. Classes will resume in spring 2023 and information will be posted on the MCDOT website at tinyurl.com/cycleclss in early February. Registration is required for the bike classes and spaces typically fill up fast. Walk-ups are welcome and no registration is required for the e-scooter trainings. Virtual Public Hearing on the Rehabilitation of the Brighton Dam Road Bridge in Brookeville to be Held on Wednesday, Nov. 30  On Wednesday, Nov. 30 starting at 7 p.m., MCDOT will hold a virtual public hearing to discuss the proposed construction to rehabilitate the Brighton Dam Road, Bridge No. M-0229, over Brighton Dam. At the virtual hearing, MCDOT will present the project details, costs and schedules and obtain public testimony. The 602-foot long 15-span bridge is in need of repairs to the concrete parapets, bridge deck joints, prestressed concrete beams, concrete abutment backwalls, streetlights, asphalt approach roadways and concrete sidewalks to enhance the safety of the traveling public and the integrity of the dam. Public input is encouraged and may influence final design plans.  Online registration is required to attend. Learn more here.  MCDOT Sponsors Annual Walk & Ride Challenge, Oct. 17 – Nov. 4 This year, MCDOT’s annual Walk & Ride Challenge had great results – more than 79 teams with nearly 290 participants competed 30,179,721 total steps, roughly 12,072 miles in the three-week challenge that raised morale, enhanced health and provided team-building benefits. The annual event encourages teams of three to five employees who work in the County’s Transportation Management District’s (TMD) to incorporate walking into their daily routines.  This year’s winners were: Friendship Heights, Washington Eye - 1,263,174 steps North Bethesda, NIH - 1,131,917 steps Silver Spring, Regal Majestic - 802,525 steps Greater Shady Grove, ABL, Inc. - 766,821 steps Bethesda,  ASHP Publishing  - 704,536 steps MCDOT Installs Additional EV Chargers in Parking Garages for Public Use MCDOT Parking currently has 44 charging spaces open to the public throughout the three Parking Lot Districts in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. Pepco is in the process of installing another 8 dual-port stations in Bethesda and Silver Spring, for an additional 16 charging spaces. They will be operational on a rolling basis, with an estimated completion date of early 2023. MCDOT Parking also purchased two stations for Garage 7 in Silver Spring that is expected to be delivered by the vendor, ChargePoint, in the next four to six weeks with installation to follow. For a list of available public EV charges within County facilities click here.  Wheaton Streetery Community Meeting to be Held on Monday, Dec. 6 An in-person community meeting will be held at 3 p.m. outdoors at the Wheaton Streetery. Attendees should meet at the corner of Price and Elkin Street. The Mid-County Regional Services Center and MCDOT are hosting the meeting to gather community feedback on the Wheaton Streetery for possible short-term changes. Residents May Be Able to Install an EV Charging Station in Front of Their Property Residents who do not have a driveway or space on their property to create a parking pad may be eligible to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the right-of-way in front of their property. Montgomery County DOT and Department of Permitting Services (DPS) worked together to draft guidelines and DPS is now accepting applications. For more information visit the DPS website and review the guidelines here. Prior to submitting an application, residents should email DPS Manager Atiq Panjshiri, for a free consultation to determine eligibility. Montgomery County Executive Elrich to Hold Hybrid Forums to Seek Input on FY 2024 Operating Budget Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, the County’s regional services offices and community partners will host eight hybrid forums in November and December to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget. Residents can attend the forums in person or view them via the internet.  Register for the next forum that will be held on Monday, Nov. 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center’s social hall located at 2450 Lyttonsville Road in Silver Spring. Learn more and view the forum schedules here. Maryland Declares Nov. 14-18 ‘Crash Responder Safety Week’ as Part of Effort to Protect First Responders Motorists are reminded of the new Move Over Law and urged to slow down when approaching traffic incidents or disabled vehicles. November 14-18 has been proclaimed Crash Responder Safety Week in Maryland, in support of a national effort to raise awareness of the critical role motorists play in keeping first responders safe. The campaign reminds motorists to stay alert, move over and slow down when approaching traffic incidents and first responders. Nationally, an average of 23 highway workers and one law enforcement officer are killed each month while performing their duties at a crash scene or roadway incident. In addition, one tow truck driver is killed alongside a roadway every six days, according to AAA. Amtrak Avoids Thanksgiving Shutdown, as Rail Unions Delay Strike Labor unions agreed to postpone strike action, averting disruption to travelers, commuters and shippers. A threatened nationwide railroad strike that could have stranded Amtrak riders during Thanksgiving — one of the busiest travel seasons of the year — has been averted for now. The date of a potential strike was pushed back from Nov. 20 to at least Dec. 4 by the railroad workers union, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The union’s members have rejected a settlement reached with freight railroads in September. Learn more here. MDOT MTA Offers Free CharmPass Fares This Week, Nov. 14 - 18 Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) celebrates Rider Appreciation Week. Whether you're a regular rider or new to taking transit, you can register to have your free fares pushed to your CharmPass, the mobile ticketing app for MDOT MTA transportation (Local Bus, Light RailLink, MARC Train, Metro SubwayLink and Commuter Bus). METRO UPDATES Metro Launches Silver Line Extension With Opening Ceremony; Welcomes Customers to #RideSilver to Six New Stations New rail connections to Washington Dulles International Airport, Reston, Herndon, and Eastern Loudoun County On Tuesday, Nov. 15 Metro celebrated the opening of the Silver Line Extension, connecting customers to six new stations, adding 11.4 miles of track to the Metrorail system, and beginning operations at a modern rail maintenance facility. The Silver Line Extension gives customers a new connection to Washington Dulles International Airport and new service between Reston, Va., and eastern Loudoun County. The grand opening also marks the completion of the Silver Line project, a generational infrastructure investment in Northern Virginia. Learn more here.  Metro Explores Silver Line “Express” Train That Saves Six Minutes Metro is looking at timing trains to create an “express” train that shaves five to six minutes off the total trip. Metro says an express train could only catch up with a train in front of it, not pass it, so it would have to time things correctly for it to work. Learn more here. Metro Red Line Service Adjustments This Weekend, Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 The Red Line can expect some slight disruptions due to track work: Trains will run every 10 minutes. Due to switch replacement, there will be no train service between Friendship Heights and Grosvenor. Trains will operate in two segments, from Shady Grove to Grosvenor and from Friendship Heights to Glenmont. The Bethesda and Medical Center stations will be closed, with free shuttle buses running as a replacement Metro Charts Course to Bring Rail Service Back to Normal By early next month, transit customers should see Metrorail wait times decrease significantly for the first time in more than a year, followed by another drop in the spring, Metro officials said Thursday as they released a plan for boosting service to pre-pandemic levels. The announcement came after last week’s compromise between Metro and the regulatory Washington Metrorail Safety Commission over the use of the transit agency’s troubled 7000-series rail cars. Transit officials mapped out how Metro could end a train shortage that has created long waits and led to overcrowding on some trains. Read the Washington Post article here. Temporary Closure of Takoma Park Bus Stop, Westbound on Philadelphia Avenue Near Cedar Avenue, Began Monday, Nov. 14 The bus stop located Westbound on Philadelphia Avenue (bus stop #24859), near Ceder Avenue at the Takoma Park Community Center, is temporarily closed for approximately one year for the Takoma Park Maryland Library reconstruction project. Riders will be directed to the next nearest stops at Maple Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue (F4 Metro bus) and Maple Avenue and Grant Avenue (17 Ride On bus). ROAD PROJECTS & CLOSURES Rockville Town Square Street Closures for Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 18 This Friday, Nov. 18 Maryland Avenue will be closed from E. Middle Lane to the Gold's Gym between 12 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for winter holiday tree lighting in Rockville. No vehicle traffic will be permitted on the street during this time. Access to the parking garage on Maryland Avenue at Beall Avenue will be maintained. WSSC Reopened Clopper Road in Germantown Clopper Road in Germantown reopened this morning, Thursday, Nov. 17 after crews fixed a 24-inch water main break that caused a large hole in the roadway. Learn more here. MCDOT’s White Flint Pike District (Formerly White Flint West) Project Update The White Flint Pike District project provides the new construction and reconstruction of highways and arterial roads including their intersections and the major relocations of the affected utilities within White Flint District. The vision for the White Flint District is to improve sidewalks, bikeways, trails, paths, public use space, parks and recreational facilities, mixed-use development, and enhanced streetscape and transit-oriented development around the Metro station.  Construction operations on the following roadways are complete: Old Georgetown Road north of the Nicholson Lane/Tilden Lane intersection to MD 355 (Rockville Pike) Executive Boulevard between the signalized entrance to 6000/6001 Executive Boulevard and Towne Road. Banneker Avenue from Old Georgetown Road to Grand Park Avenue. Grand Park Avenue from Banneker Avenue to Old Georgetown Road. The improvements at the intersection of Executive Boulevard and Marinelli Road are also finished. Read the latest project newsletter for additional construction activities here. Sign up to receive project updates here. For questions or concerns contact Paul Bender, Senior Resident Engineer at 301-343-1527 or email paul.bender@montgomerycountymd.gov. Purple Line Implements Long-Term Pedestrian Detour on Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) in Bethesda This week, a long-term pedestrian detour along Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) has been implemented around the Purple Line work zone. The crosswalk on Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) between Elm Street and Waverly Street is closed and a new crosswalk with signals at Elm Street is available for use. View the detour map here. Ride For Your Life Event to Honor Bethesda Woman Killed While Riding Bike, Saturday, Nov. 19 The Ride for Your Life, event will be held in memory of Sarah Langenkamp who was killed in August while biking in Bethesda, will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19. The 10-mile bike ride will aim to raise awareness about federal funding that could improve bicycle infrastructure and federal regulations that could increase safety. Learn more here. For more information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot and subscribe to receive MCDOT News to your email inbox or mobile phone. November 17, 2022 Holiday Schedule for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24 MCDOT offices - Closed. Ride On - Sunday schedule. Flash Orange line - Sunday scheduled. extRa and Flex - No service. TRiPS Commuter Store at SSTC - Closed. TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store - Closed. Parking - Free. Parking fees resume on Friday, Nov. 25. Metrorail - Sunday Holiday schedule (7 a.m. - midnight). Metrobus - Sunday schedule. MetroAccess - Closed. MTA Local Bus - Sunday Holiday schedule. Marc Train - No service. MTA Commuter Bus  (Route 201 Gaithersburg - BWI Business Dist.) - No service. MTA Transit Stores - Closed. AAA’s 2022 Thanksgiving Travel Forecast It’s turkey time. Are you planning on traveling for Thanksgiving? Whether you’re headed to family, friends or even a vacation destination, Thanksgiving travel is on the rise. AAA predicts 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, up 1.5% from 2021. This year is also projected to be the third-busiest Thanksgiving travel season since 2000. AAA defines the Thanksgiving holiday travel period as the five-day period from Wednesday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 27. MCDOT to Participate in Montgomery County’s Thanksgiving Parade at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Saturday, Nov. 19 The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will usher in the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 19, in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. for one mile along Ellsworth Drive, to and along Georgia Avenue, ending at Spring Street.  Come out and enjoy the marching bands, dancing groups, glittering floats and special appearance by Santa and his elves. Be sure to watch out for MCDOT’s Flash bus, Mobile Commuter Store and Zeal the pedestrian safety Zebra! NOTE: The Northbound and Southbound lanes of Georgia Avenue, from East-West Highway to Colesville Road will close between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. Traffic should detour to East West Highway, learn more here. February 2023 Slots are Open for Schools to Participate in MCDOT’s Walking Wednesdays Every Wednesday in the school year, MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School team will visit schools to conduct a 2-hour walking audit. Teams also distribute educational materials and safety giveaways to students. Educators can register their school to participate here. View past walking event photos here. MCDOT is scheduled to visit Highland Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 8:30 a.m. MCDOT and MCFRS Visited Select Bus Stops Near Local High Schools Following Daylight Savings Time Change to Promote Safety To ensure students' safety while walking to bus stops and traveling to and from schools, outreach teams from MCDOT and Fire and Rescue Services visited select bus stops last week near local high schools following the daylight savings time change on Sunday, Nov. 6, after school, between 2 - 3:30 p.m. Outreach teams gave out free glow sticks and other giveaways for students to ensure they are seen by drivers when it's dark. Outreach teams visited Gaithersburg, JFK, Blair, Northwest, Wheaton, Northwood, Seneca Valley and Springbrook high schools. MCDOT Continues Ride On Reimagined Efforts The Ride On Reimagined Study is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of Montgomery County’s transportation network. This current study is taking an in-depth look at the County’s existing and planned transit systems, including Metrobus and the Purple Line. Through data analysis and community engagement, the study will provide recommendations for system-wide bus service changes, including Ride On and Metrobus routes operating in Montgomery County, to address the current and future needs of the community. The Ride On reimagine team is currently conducting community focus groups throughout the County and is encouraging community feedback via the website here. MCDOT Completes Nation’s Largest Bus Microgrid and Charging Infrastructure Project in Silver Spring MCDOT completed the Brookville Smart Energy Depot located at 8710 Brookville Road in Silver Spring. The nation’s largest solar bus charging infrastructure project will supply clean energy to the MCDOT’s growing Ride On electric bus fleet. The first of its kind project will help move Montgomery County closer to meeting its goal of reducing GHG emissions to zero by 2035.  This resilient microgrid will provide uninterrupted power to MCDOT’s Ride On transit electric buses. MCDOT Hosts Senior Driver Safety Presentations Walking outside provides a lot of health benefits. With the weather changing and sunset coming earlier, it’s important for seniors to be aware of how these changes may affect their walking and driving habits. MCDOT's Pedestrian Safety team is visiting several community centers around the county this month to meet with seniors and share information and resources on how to identify the signs that make older drivers more vulnerable on the roads and how to travel more safely. The team recently presented safety presentations at Long Branch community center, Damascus and Margaret Schweinhaut senior centers. MCDOT Bridge Projects Brighton Dam Road Bridge (M-0229) Brookville Road Bridge (M-0083) Dennis Avenue Bridge (M-0194) Dorsey Mill Road Bridge Garrett Park Road Bridge (M-0352) Glen Road Bridge (M-0148)  Mouth of Monocacy Road Bridge (M-0043) Pooks Hill Road over Rock Creek Tributary Bridge (M-0357AX01) Zion Road Bridge over Hawlings River (M-0121) MCDOT Begins Culvert Replacement Project on Alloway Drive in Potomac Construction includes replacement of the existing storm drain culvert on Alloway Drive as well as headwall and wingwall replacement, stream restoration, landscaping, new asphalt paving and installation of a new chain link fence. MCDOT crews will work to minimize disruptions to surrounding residents and business communities. View the project website and newsletter for more details. Alloway Drive is closed and detours are in place. The State’s Deadline for Civil Penalty Waiver for Outstanding Video Tolls Ends Wednesday, Nov. 30 Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) customers are reminded that the Customer Assistance Plan offering a civil penalty waiver grace period for Video Tolls will expire after 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. With time running out, the MDTA encourages customers to check their account here and pay their tolls before the opportunity for a civil penalty waiver ends. Electric Vehicle Sales Rise as Registrations Jump 57% Through September A wider variety of EVs are now available from traditional automakers, with many more planned. Through the first nine months of this year, registrations for electric vehicles rose 57% compared to the same period last year, according to data from Experian Automotive cited by Automotive News. More than 530,000 new battery-electric vehicles were registered in the U.S. through September.  Read the Smart Cities Dive article here. Call 311 to Get it Done MC311 is Montgomery County Government’s Customer Service Center for all non-emergency County inquiries and services. Dial 311 in the County or 240-777-0311, 711 for MD Relay TTY, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., follow on Twitter @311MC311 or submit your request online at montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

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

MCDOT's Go Montgomery! Transportation Newsletter - May 5, 2022

MCDOT Will Increase Ride On Bus Service Starting Sunday, May 8; Direct Service From Kensington to Wheaton Will be Added All routes, except route 301 (Toby Town), will undergo schedule changes that will be available in print and online at rideonbus.com. Ride On will also extend bus Route 4, from Kensington to Wheaton. Ride On bus service remains free for all riders until at least July 2. Riders can plan trips online with Ride On Real-Time. Passengers are encouraged to wear a mask but are no longer required to wear them. MCDOT Announces the Return of ‘Bicycle Swag Bag’ Contest in May to Promote ‘Bike to Work Day’ MCDOT is promoting this year’s Bike To Work Day with the return of the ‘Bicycle Swag Bag’ contest during the month of May. From Sunday, May 1, through Saturday, May 28, bike riders are encouraged to post a picture of themselves enjoying their bike ride along any bike trail, path or bike lane in the County. For the contest, those photos posted on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram tagging @MCDOTNow along with the hashtag #MoCoBikes will be entered into that week's drawing for a ‘Swag Bag’ prize. Residents that do not use social media can email photos to commuter.services@montgomerycountymd.gov. Prize drawings will be held weekly on Monday mornings of the following week. The first winner will be announced on Monday, May 9. All winners will be notified via direct message on their social media accounts or by email. The contest is open to persons 18 years and older. Winners must live or work within Montgomery County.   Residents are also encouraged to register for Bike to Work Day which takes place on Friday, May 20. This year, MCDOT will sponsor six pit stops throughout the County, located at: Downtown Bethesda at Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues Friendship Heights at the Shops at Wisconsin Place North Bethesda at Pike and Rose, next to Bark Social Rockville at Fallsgrove Village Center Rockville Town Square at Dawson’s Market Silver Spring Downtown at Veterans Plaza Participants at the MCDOT-sponsored pit stops can enjoy refreshments, listen to music and visit local vendor displays. There also will be free raffle prizes throughout the morning and a grand-prize raffle of two new bikes at each pit stop. Additional pit stops will be hosted by other organizations throughout the County. Teleworkers and leisure riders are encouraged to participate. “We are happy to get back to our traditional in-person Bike to Work Day pit stops that celebrate biking as an alternate means of transportation,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We invite all residents to come out and participate, whether you are commuting to work that morning or just getting some exercise, everyone is welcome.” All riders are encouraged to wear a helmet.  Want to participate but you don't own a bike? Grab a Capital Bikeshare bike at one of 90 stations available throughout the County. View station locations online here. MCDOT Celebrated ‘Bike to School Day’ at Ritchie Park Elementary School in Rockville Montgomery County hosted its annual Bike to School Day celebration on the morning of Wednesday, May 4, with a fun-filled event at Ritchie Park Elementary School in Rockville. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin,  elected officials, and Vision Zero representatives were among those distributing safety materials and greeting students and parents to encourage biking to school. There was a special appearance from Zeal, the Traffic Safety Zebra, and the Montgomery County Fire Rescue provided a fire truck on site. Watch the MCM video here. Montgomery County Jurisdictions Receive $300,000 in Grants to Boost Walkable, Bikeable and Transit-Oriented Communities The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) approved 11 planning and design projects totaling $636,000 in technical assistance through its Transportation Land-use Connections (TLC) program. Montgomery County jurisdictions were granted five of the 111 regional assistance awards totaling $300,000, nearly half of the funding available. The funds will go toward the following five projects that support walking, biking and transit-oriented communities: Olde Towne to Washington Grove Bicycle Connection (City of Gaithersburg), $60,000. Montgomery County Streetlight Standards (Montgomery County). $50,000. Fleet and Monroe Streets Complete Streets Feasibility Study (City of Rockville). $60,000. Takoma Park Metropolitan Branch Trail Upgrade (City of Takoma Park). $60,000. City of Takoma Park New Ave Bikeway – District Connector (City of Takoma Park). $70,000. Learn more here. Montgomery County Celebrated Arbor Day in Silver Spring Montgomery County celebrated Arbor Day by commemorating the black tupelo as the new County tree. The County’s departments of Environmental Protection, Transportation and Parks participated in an event on the afternoon of Arbor Day, Friday, April 29 at the East County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring. The event featured tree planting, plogging sign up and tree raffles. The event brought attention to the new County tree and encouraged tree planting to increase the tree canopy. Trees improve air and water quality and help reduce erosion and flooding.  MCDOT Director Chris Conklin spoke about MCDOT’s eight arborists that ensure the health of the County’s tree canopy. So far, this fiscal year, MCDOT has planted nearly 1,700 trees and manages about 500,000 trees in the County rights of way. Most of the trees are planted within neighborhoods, lining County roadways. Residents are encouraged to make requests for trees in the right of way by calling 311. Montgomery County Celebrates Public Works Week with Truck Day Event on Saturday, May 21  Public works week celebrates essential workers nationally in May. In recognition of the MCDOTs' Highway Services employees, the department is running a social media campaign highlighting their highway Services workers and will conclude the campaign with a free, family-friendly Truck Day event, a children’s event that allows the public to tour and sit in County-owned vehicles. Truck Day will be held on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MCDOT Gaithersburg Depot, 17000 Crabbs Branch Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20855. “Public Works employees provide vital services for our residents,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “For many, these are the first faces they see when tragedy strikes. I am committed to ensuring that our residents can count on a reliable response system and am very thankful to these employees for doing an amazing job protecting our residents throughout the year.” The American Public Works Association has announced "Ready & Resilient" as the theme for the 2022 National Public Works Week campaign. This year's dramatic poster showcases the superheroes that lie within each and every public works professional. Always ready to serve their communities, and resilient as ever in their abilities to pick themselves up off the ground after encountering challenges. MCDOT Highway Services employees provide and sustain essential services that contribute to the County’s quality of life. Services such as clearing trees in roadways, snow removal, flood response, storm management, street cleaning and leafing programs are some of the tasks this division is responsible for. “Residents rely on our Highway services staff more than they are probably aware of,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “They are the first boots on the ground when issues arise, and they are an incredibly efficient group of problem solvers. Residents typically don’t see them fixing issues at all hours, in all types of weather conditions, but they do and they do an incredible job.” MCDOT Invites Middle Schools to Participate in Snowplow Naming Contest  MCDOT is excited to hold its first-ever Paint the Plow Contest as part of National Public Works Week, May 15-21. Snowplows will be dropped off at participating schools on the morning of Monday, May 16. We ask students to come up with a snowplow name and paint it on the front of the snowplow. MCDOT will pick up the painted snowplows in the early afternoon of Friday, May 20. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, MCDOT is showing support for MCPS middle school art teachers by offering a fun art project for the school. Prizes will be made out to the school and can aid in purchasing supplies. MCDOT will supply the materials needed for painting the snowplows. Photos of finished snowplows will be displayed on MCDOT’s website as well its social media platforms. The painted snowplows will be put into service during the winter months; be on the lookout for your masterpieces at work in your communities. Awards of $300, $200, and $100 will be given to first, second, and third place winning Middle schools. Judging will take place on Truck Day, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MCDOT Gaithersburg Depot, 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Gaithersburg. Attendees will be able to cast a vote for their favorite design. To sign-up, complete the registration form and submit it online by May 11. Montgomery County Adds 20 Scenic Routes to Its 'Rustic Roads' Master Plan Montgomery County is home to 99 “rustic roads” which, to earn the distinction, must be historic, have scenic views, and reflect the agricultural character and rural origins of the county. These roads tend to be narrow, low-traffic, and highlight historic areas. A second distinction, “exceptional rustic road” requires unusual features found on few other roads like ruins or historic homes The rustic roads program started in the 1990s after county planners found that more and more historic roads were turning into suburban-style thoroughfares. Last updated 18 years ago, planners are in the process of refreshing the map with 20 new additions suggested by residents. Read the DCIST article here. Rustic Roads are public roads that receive routine maintenance by MCDOT or the Maryland State Highway Administration, but because of their inclusion in the program, significant features of these roads are conserved. The program is supported by the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee which consists of residents, farmers, and advocates. Rustic roads are also a part of MCDOT's Adopt A Road program, where residents can volunteer to remove litter from County roadsides before it reaches local streams or clogs storm drains that feed into the Potomac/Patuxent Rivers and our water supply.   Connected and Automated Vehicles: Help Shape the Future of Travel in Maryland  Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs), sometimes called self-driving or driverless vehicles, are an important consideration for the future of travel in Maryland and may become a part of everyday life sooner than we might think.  Many of us are already driving cars with advanced technologies, such as remote sensors, cameras, navigation, and/or braking systems using artificial intelligence (AI), that may contribute to innovations leading to fully autonomous vehicles. What remains unknown, however, is just exactly how self-driving vehicles should fit into our existing transportation systems. This is where you can help guide the next steps. Take a 10-minute anonymous online survey by May 13. Responses gathered will help MDOT SHA develop a strategy for increasing public awareness of CAV-related technologies, plan for a future of travel with self-driving vehicles, and help keep Maryland a great place to live, work, and play. You can also take the survey by phone at 877-379-9299. METRO NEWS Metrorail Weekend Service Adjustments for Saturday, May 7 Through Sunday, May 8 This weekend, Metrorail will open at 7 a.m., closing at 1 a.m. Saturday and midnight Sunday. Trains will serve 85 of 91 stations, with scheduled track work on the Red, Orange and Green lines. Red Line trains arrive every 14 minutes and will be single tracking between Silver Spring and Forest Glen. Learn more here. Metrobus Service Changes Go In Effect on Sunday, May 29 The White Flint Station buses will serve the stop along northbound Rockville Pike north of (farside) Marinelli Road adjacent to the station entrance. Learn more here. Metro Transit Police Launch New Community Policing and Safety Initiatives Metro announced safety initiatives to engage the community, target enforcement efforts and increase police visibility on buses, trains and in stations. Learn more here. ROAD CLOSURES Brookeville Bypass WSSC Sewer Relocation Work Tentatively Starts on May 11; Causing Two Week Closure of Brookeville Road This project is 67 percent done and expected to be completed by the end of 2022. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration project includes a new 0.7-mile, two-lane highway with bicycle-compatible shoulders between north of Goldmine Road and south of Holiday Drive. Once complete and open to traffic, the new roadway will make Georgia Avenue (RT 97) more accessible and safer for local residents, cyclists, and pedestrians. The project also includes construction of two bridges, one at Meadow Branch stream and one at Reddy Branch stream including two single-lane roundabouts that will improve traffic and safety operations. Georgia Avenue (RT97) functions as a major north-south commuter route between Brookeville and northern Montgomery and Frederick counties. For more information contact Javier Arias, SHA Project Engineer at jarias@mdot.maryland.gov or Ryan Doran, SHA District 3 Area Engineer at rdoran@mdot.maryland.gov. A Portion of Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) and Commerce Lane in Bethesda to Close for 24 Hours for Crane Operation From Saturday, May 7, at 12 midnight to May 8, at 12 midnight, all lanes on Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) between Commerce Lane and Woodmont Avenue will be closed for mobile crane operation at 7607 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda. There will also be a closure on Commerce Lane from Old Georgetown Road to Wisconsin Avenue to build the crane and offload materials. In case of inclement weather, the work will be performed on Sunday, May 8, beginning at 12 midnight for 24 hours. Drivers should use Bradley Boulevard (MD 191), Bethesda Metro Center, and Norfolk Avenue as a detour around the work zone. For questions contact Lauren Dick, United Crane and Rigging Traffic Engineering Services Project Coordinator, at 443-531-8228. A Portion of Rockville Pike (MD 355) in Gaithersburg to Close for Construction Highway and Safety Services, Inc. has closed the southbound lane of Rockville Pike (MD 355) between Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) and Marinelli Road on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for sidewalk and driveway construction. Once completed, work will start on the northbound side. Weather and progress permitting, all work should be completed by Thursday, September 15. The sidewalk on each side of MD 355 will also be closed and pedestrian traffic will be directed to the opposite side of Rockville Pike (MD 355) as appropriate. Vehicle and pedestrian signage will be posted. For questions contact Paul Bender, MCDOT Project Manager at 301-343-1527 or paul.bender@montgomerycountymd.gov. For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to receive MCDOT news to your email inbox or mobile phone. Thursday, May 5, 2022 MCDOT is Combining Social Media Accounts Be sure to follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. May is National Bike Month National Bike Month is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. It's a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to give biking a try. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness, taking essential trips to work, to shop, or for coffee, you are part of a movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people. Learn more at bikeleague.org/ bikemonth. Free Lyft Rides on Cinco de Mayo to Prevent Drunk Driving on Friday, May 5 Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one-third (39%) of U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) announced that free safe rides will be offered throughout the Washington-Metropolitan area for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Learn more at soberride.com. Also, all Ride On buses are free which is a lot cheaper than getting a DUI. View additional safe ride options in Montgomery County here. Participate in MCDOT Ride On’s Annual Food Drive, May 15-22 MCDOT is hosting the annual Ride On food drive in partnership with Manna Food Center, County libraries and Regional Service Centers to help those who are in need. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off on all Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash buses, all Regional Service Centers, Manna Centers and selected libraries. View a list of locations here. MCDOT Offers Free E-Scooter Training This Saturday, May 7 at Wheaton’s Ice Arena  Residents age 18+ can drop by anytime between 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. to take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws. No registration is required, although participants must have a valid driver’s license. If you are not able to attend, MCDOT is hosting another class on Saturday, June 11 at the Montgomery College Campus in Rockville.  For more information view the class flyer here. GreenFest at Brookside Gardens Was a Success  Over 1,000 residents stopped by MCDOT's table to learn about the department's green initiatives. Over 400 free trees and shrubs were given away and pedestrian safety's prize wheel was one of the most popular tables at the event.  Thank you for coming out! MCDOT Receives Over 500 Entries in the Elementary School Annual Pedestrian Safety Art Contest The art entries, promoting safety, are currently being judged and six winners will be announced online on May 11. Zeal the Pedestrian Safety Zebra will visit the schools of each winner to present their prize of either a Barnes and Noble or Amazon gift card. Winners will also be listed in the next edition of the Go Montgomery! newsletter. Help Montgomery County Reach Zero Emissions by 2035 County residents and businesses are asked to sign the Electric Vehicle Purchasing Cooperative (EVPC) online pledge and commit to making your next car an EV, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/ZEV. MCDOT has begun the process of moving towards a zero-emission fleet. We have four electric buses in operation and 10 more are on the way. DID YOU KNOW? All Ride On buses are equipped with two bicycle racks on the front of the buses. FLASH buses have bike racks inside. It's Not to Late too Honor Earth Month; Join MCDOT’s Adopt A Road Program For decades, MCDOT has been actively involved in the public removal of litter from roadways through the Adopt A Road program. Join the thousands of volunteers who help keep Montgomery County roads free from litter. View a list of available road segments here. How Does Transit Help the Climate? We’ve heard it a lot. Riding transit is good for the climate. Transit lowers emissions, brings convenience and supports  more accessible communities. Riding a mile by bus in this country, on average, contributes 30% less to climate change than riding in a gas car alone. Riding a bike or walking lowers emissions down to zero. Each trip we make outside of a car makes a small difference in reducing our carbon footprint.  Read The Equation blog here. New Research Shows That E-Bikes Are Outpacing Electric Cars Sales in the U.S. Industry professionals predict that more than 1 million e-bikes will be sold in the states this year. People in urban areas are starting to realize that sometimes, it’s faster to go by bike than to drive from place to place. Especially when the bike is electric-assisted and capable of zooming through traffic at the same speed as most city speed limits, without the hassle of finding parking. Read the Bicycling article here. If You’re Heading Downtown This Weekend, Expect Street Closures, May 7-8 The 5Ks — the Purple Stride 5K Walk/Run and the Race for Hope 5K — will close D.C. streets this weekend. The closures will be concentrated in the downtown area beginning Friday evening to midday on Sunday. Read the DCIST article for a list of street closures here. MD REAL ID: Enforcement Begins in One Year Live in Maryland and still haven't gotten your REAL ID yet?  The Department of Homeland Security has begun to enforce the new identification for air travelers. This tool allows people to look up whether they are REAL ID-compliant. Those who need to present their documents must do so in person at MVA full-service branches, which are open by appointment only. For more details, read the Takoma Park Patch article here. Poll Predicts at Least 40% Rise in Summer Travel for DC Area Residents A poll from AAA finds that, despite pandemic concerns and higher gas prices, travelers from D.C., Virginia and Maryland are much more likely to take summer trips this year than in 2021. Read the WTOP article here. New Bay Bridge Crossing: MD Officially Proposes Location For 3rd Span Maryland authorities may build a third span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge near the existing two crossings to relieve traffic on U.S. Route 50 during rush hour, beach season and holiday vacations. Read the Patch article here. Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.