Go Montgomery! April 10, 2019

MCDOT to Host Public Forum on April 25 to Introduce Plans for Microtransit Pilot Project The public is invited to provide input on a MCDOT plan to test a new transit option in the Rockville, Glenmont and Wheaton areas. Riders will be able to request trips to and from “virtual bus stops” using an app on their mobile phones. Read more.  Participate in Ride On’s Annual Give and Ride Campaign to Help Feed Area’s Neediest Families Ride On bus passengers can help needy families and ride free by donating canned or nonperishable food during MCDOT’s 32nd annual “Give and Ride” food drive. Ride On will collect donations from Sunday, April 28 through Saturday, May 4. Not a Ride On passenger? You can still donate to help Manna Food feed the hungry. Read more. MCDOT’s Green Transportation Initiatives in County’s Annual Progress Report on Sustainability Montgomery County’s Department of General Services has released the fiscal year 2018 Montgomery County Green Government Report that highlights MCDOT’s sustainable efforts, including enhancing bicycle mobility, bus commuting and smart parking. See report.  Metrorail Turnbacks at Silver Spring Will End in June It’s official: the upcoming elimination of Red Line turnbacks on July 1 will mean that half of the peak hour morning and afternoon trains leaving Washington, D.C. towards the Glenmont Station will no longer turn around at Silver Spring. Read more. MCDOT to Sponsor Six Pit Stops in Celebration of ‘Bike to Work Day’ on Friday, May 17 Join bicyclists around the region at one of Montgomery County’s 16 “Bike to Work Day” pit stops. The annual event is free and the first 20,000 to register and participate will receive a free T-shirt. Get free refreshments at the pit stops and enter a raffle to win a new bicycle. Learn more. MCDOT to Participate in County’s Annual GreenFest Celebration On April 28, be sure to stop by MCDOT’s two GreenFest locations to learn more about the department’s green initiatives. This year’s free event will be held at Brookside Gardens and MCDOT will be providing transportation from the Glenmont Metro Station. GreenFest offers something for everyone -- a green craft fair; native plant sale; community art project; fun, family activities; an interactive electric car display; live music and food trucks. www.montgomerycountygreenfest.org Montgomery Residents Can Learn More—and Make Comments—About Maryland DOT/State Highway Administration Proposed Alternatives for I-495 and I-270 at April Workshops The Maryland Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration will be holding three public workshops in Montgomery County about proposed alternatives to expand I-495 and I-270. Learn more. Update on MCDOT White Flint Transportation Infrastructure Project to Enhance Smart Growth Utility infrastructure relocation and construction is winding down and expected to be completed in early spring. Over the next two weeks, construction will affect parking on both sides of Towne Road and result in lane closures on Old Georgetown Road and Executive Boulevard. Learn more. Construction Update for US29 Flash Preparations are nearly complete for concrete sidewalk and bus platforms on both the northbound and southbound sides of US 29 at Tech Road. This week, advance warning traffic signs will be installed prior to construction on Stewart Lane at April Lane. Next week, concrete placement, stormwater facility construction, and underground electrical work will begin. Follow project progress on Twitter at #US29FLASH. Celebrate and Participate in Earth Month This year, Earth Day will be celebrated on Monday, April 22 to demonstrate and promote environmental awareness. Montgomery County has embraced environmental stewardship as a fundamental responsibility to preserve and sustain the planet. View events and programs. Celebrate Opening Day for Trails on Saturday, April 13 with the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail (CCCT) To help promote safety on the trail, CCCT board members will be at the River Road overpass area (now known as "Neal Potter Plaza") on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to install free bike bells for those with a bike and hand out whistles for walkers. This event will take place along the Capital Crescent Trail where it intersects with the Washington Episcopal School parking lot on Landy Lane, just off River Road. Read more. April 10, 2019 Subscribe to Go Montgomery! To receive MCDOT’s latest news in your inbox or on your phone subscribe here. Update on Residential Road Repairs Germantown Estates Subdivision Resurfacing Project, Germantown  Schaeffer Road Subdivision Paving Project, Boyds Blair Phase III Concrete Work, Silver Spring Potomac Ridge Subdivision Concrete Work, North Potomac April is ‘National Distracted Driving Month’  The National Safety Council is raising awareness of the dangers that inattentive drivers pose to themselves and others. Read more. Join a Guided Community Bike Ride in May or June MCDOT and the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) are co-sponsoring three community bike rides for riders of all experience levels. Learn urban riding techniques, practice riding in the city and meet other bikers. Registration is free for Capital Bikeshare members and $10 for all others. Learn more. MCDOT to Co-Sponsor Adult Learn to Ride Cycle Classes with WABA If you’re feeling less than confident about hopping on a bike, one of these classes may be for you! MCDOT and the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) have teamed up to offer these May and June classes for adults who want to enjoy biking for recreation, fitness or commuting. Learn more. Update on Wheaton Revitalization Project The project is about 60 percent complete. Construction of the ninth floor of the office building has begun. Concrete work has been completed for floors one through eight. Rough grading is complete for the Town Plaza. Follow project progress via the onsite camera. www.wheatonproject.com

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

Go Montgomery! March 22, 2019

Free WiFi Now Available on All Ride On Buses No login required! On any Ride On bus, riders can simply check available networks and connect to GetOnTheBus for free WiFi during their ride. Learn more. MDOT SHA To Hold Six Public Workshops on Alternatives for the I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will hold its next round of public workshops in April to obtain additional public input on possible improvements along two of the state’s most congested highways. Three sessions will be held in Montgomery County on April 13, 24 and 25. Learn more. County Council, Executive Challenge State on I-270 and Beltway Widening Priorities  (from Bethesda Beat, March 3, 2019) Montgomery County leaders are pressing the state to shift priorities for widening Interstate 270 and the Capital Beltway to place more emphasis on easing congestion between Bethesda and Frederick on I-270. Read more. Elrich's County Budget Includes Funding for FLASH Service and 10 New Electric Ride On Buses in FY20.  In unveiling his Recommended Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Budget, County Executive Marc Elrich signaled strong support for key transportation initiatives that will deliver easier—and greener—commutes for many Montgomery County residents. Learn more.  Capital Bikeshare to Begin Providing 500 Electric Bikes Across the D.C. Area Over the next few weeks, Capital Bikeshare will be adding 500 e-bikes to its fleet throughout the region. About 65 of those e-bikes are expected to be available in Montgomery County, mainly around Metro stations. Read more. Metro Board of Directors’ Finance and Capital Committee Voted to End ‘Silver Spring Turnback’ of Red Line Trains; Final Action Expected March 28 Currently, half of all trains on the eastern portion of the Red Line turn around at Silver Spring and head back to the District of Columbia rather than going all the way to Glenmont, posing a significant inconvenience to Montgomery County riders. County officials had advocated for elimination of the Silver Spring turnbacks after the recent approval to end the Grosvenor turnbacks. Read more. It’s Not Too Early to Register for Bike to Work Day MCDOT’s Commuter Services will be sponsoring six of the County’s pit stops on Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 17. The annual regional event celebrates bicycling as a clean, fun and healthy way to get to work. Be one of the first 20,000 to register and attend this free event to receive a free T-shirt, refreshments, and be entered into a raffle for a new bicycle. Learn more and register online.  MCDOT Continues Construction on Phase 1 of White Flint Project The White Flint project will improve sidewalks and bikeways, and enhance the streetscape and transit-oriented development around the Metro station. Phase 1 construction is coming to a close. Learn more. Construction Continues on US 29 FLASH Construction on US 29 FLASH began this week at Burtonsville Park and Ride, where several parking spaces are unavailable as demolition commences for a new bus platform. Work continues at the Briggs Chaney Park & Ride lot, Tech Road North and Southbound, and April Lane stations. Visit www.flashbrt.com/us29/ to learn more. MCDOT to Hold Public Hearing on Sidewalk Project Planned for Bethesda  MCDOT invites residents to attend a public hearing on Wednesday, April 24 to provide comments concerning construction of a sidewalk in the Stratton Woods Community for safer travel to schools and nearby facilities. Read more. Temporary Closure of Rock Creek Trail for Bridge Demolition Beginning on or about March 26th, a segment of the Rock Creek Park Trail will be closed for two weeks to safely demolish the Rock Creek Bridge. Learn more. Celebrate Opening Day for Trails on Saturday, April 13 with the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail (CCCT)   To help promote safety on the trail, CCCT board members will be at the River Road overpass area (now known as "Neal Potter Plaza") on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to install free bike bells for those with a bike and hand out whistles for walkers. This event will take place along the Capital Crescent Trail where it intersects with the Washington Episcopal School parking lot on Landy Lane, just off River Road. Read More. Celebrate National Walking Day on April 3 Need an excuse to get walking? Join people across the country and get moving on National Walking Day, sponsored by The American Heart Association. Get health benefits while reconnecting with family and friends. Learn more. March 22, 2019 Update on Residential Road Repairs MCDOT’s Highway Services is busily completing road repair projects for the following areas: Metz Drive Subdivision, Germantown Grist Mill Subdivision, Rockville Musgrove Road, Silver Spring Wilson Lane, Bethesda Bedfordshire Subdivision, Potomac Merrimac Park Subdivision, Bethesda Drews Court, Potomac Bel Pre Woods, Rockville Sunnymeade Subdivision, Brookeville Southlawn Lane and East Gude Drive, Rockville  Participate in MCDOT's “Give and Ride” April 28 - May 4 and Help Feed the Area’s Neediest Families Ride On bus passengers can help needy families and ride free by donating canned or nonperishable food during our 32nd annual “Give and Ride” food drive. Donations go to Manna Food Center. Don’t take Ride On? You can still donate. Read more.  Bike-2 College Day is April 10th MCDOT’s Commuter Services, Montgomery College and The Universities at Shady Grove have teamed up to host this event to encourage biking to and around college campuses. Students, faculty and staff can participate in raffles and collect giveaways from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Montgomery College Rockville, Germantown and Takoma Park campuses, and at the Universities at Shady Grove. Learn more. Plan to Visit MCDOT’s Booth at GreenFest on Sunday, April 28 MCDOT’s green initiatives will be highlighted at this year’s GreenFest, the County's premiere environmental festival. The free event will feature fun activities for the whole family, including  tree-climbing, music and exhibitors. Learn more. Update on the Wheaton Revitalization Project Installation of electrical equipment, block masonry, door frames and sprinklers continues on Garage Levels P3, P2, P1, and P0. For the office building, concrete pours are complete on six of the seven floors. Rough-in of mechanicals and piping are underway on the first and second floors. Rough grading is complete and underground storm drain installation has begun for the Town Center. Follow project progress via the onsite camera. wheatonproject.com

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

Go Montgomery! February 14, 2019

Residents Invited to Weigh in on Silver Spring Metro Turnbacks Montgomery Council and Metro officials will meet with residents at a February 21 Town Hall to hear perspectives on proposed service improvements to speed the commutes of Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont area residents. Transportation Holiday Schedule for Presidents Day Ride On will run a modified holiday schedule on Monday, February 18.  Click on a route number to see the timetable for each route. Information on Metrorail and Metrobus is available at www.wmata.com. Parking at public garages, lots and curbside meters will be free. TRiPS Commuter Stores in Silver Spring and Friendship Heights will be closed. Highway Services Mobilizes for Safe Roads Highway Services has mobilized for eight winter storms so far this season, with removal of an average accumulation of more than 21 inches of snow and ice from our roadways. With the chance of more winter weather this weekend, check the Go Montgomery snow edition for useful information on being prepared. MCDOT Invites Pedestrian Safety Contest Submissions: Don’t Be Distracted! Students can win up to $500 by getting creative in driving home the importance of pedestrian safety through video or artwork. But hurry! The deadline for contest entry is March 4. New Ride On Bus 63X Service: Shady Grove Metro to Gaither Road and Gaither Drive  Veterans and other residents can now enjoy the new Ride On bus Route 63X express service from the Shady Grove Metro Station to Gaither Road & Gaither Drive. Read more. Veirs Mill Road BRT Project Named Finalist by Maryland Quality Initiative MCDOT’s Veirs Mill Road Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project was recognized as a Planning category award finalist at the recent Maryland Quality Initiative Annual Awards of Excellence dinner. New Silver Spring Parking Garage Opens More parking options are now available in Silver Spring! The Thayer-Silver Spring garage has opened with 155 parking spaces. Read more. Construction has begun on US 29 FLASH, the County’s first Bus Rapid Transit Line. Site excavation and grading are in progress for new curb & gutter, the new bus platform, and the new bus loop at the Briggs Chaney Park and Ride. Follow along on Twitter at @MoCo_DTE. Ride On's Route 301 Bus Service to the Glenstone Museum Now Extended to April The popular Glenstone Museum in Potomac generally requires advance reservations in order to attend, but you do NOT need advance reservations if you take Ride On’s Route 301 bus to get there. Now Through April, four buses will leave daily from the Rockville Metro Station of the Red Line between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday - Sunday. MDOT MTA Commuter Bus Route 202 Will Be Discontinued Maryland Department of Transportation Commuter Bus Route 202, service from Gaithersburg to DOD and Ft. Meade, will be discontinued due to low ridership. The last day of service will be Thursday, February 28, 2019. CommuterDirect.com ticket sales for this route will end February 7 at 2 p.m. As an alternative, passengers may take Commuter Bus Route 201 from Gaithersburg, Shady Grove Metro, Georgia Ave., or Burtonsville Park & Ride to Arundel Mills Mall, then transfer to RTA 502 or AACO AA-202. Department of Environmental Protection Storm Drain Art Contest Entries Accepted Through Feb. 22 The annual “Storm Drain Art Contest” uses creative art to emphasize the connection between storm drains, streams and the Chesapeake Bay. DEP believes painting storm drains with educational messages not only brings these important issues to the community, but also beautifies areas with art. Read more. February 14, 2019  **SUBSCRIBE HERE** To receive MCDOT’s latest news releases in your inbox! Got Some Love for Your Ride On Bus Operator? If you’ve appreciated superior service on your route, let us know! We’re always looking for feedback. County Offices Will Be Closed February 18 Potholes? MCDOT Repairs Year Round With freeze and thaw cycles happening several times a week, it’s wise to be on the lookout for potholes. Wheaton Revitalization Project Update Construction on the third floor is wrapping up, and utility work is in progress. Read more about the project’s construction and follow the progress in real time by viewing the on-site camera.

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