Next steps in Wheaton Revitalization Progress rescheduled for Wheaton Triangle Business District area on weekend of Saturday-Sunday, January 13-14

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 11, 2018

Installation of a crane for building construction will temporarily close part of Reedie Drive for two days (weather conditions permitting), but Triangle District businesses will remain open

The next major steps of progress in the revitalization of Downtown Wheaton that were scheduled for last weekend were postponed because of freezing temperatures and high winds. However, project coordinators are optimistic that this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, January 13 and 14, a construction crane will be installed requiring the temporary closure of a portion of Reedie Drive near the Wheaton Triangle Business District. More than 90 businesses in the district will remain open during this period, but drivers should be aware of the temporary traffic change that will be in place.

Over the next three years, the Wheaton Revitalization Project will be transforming Wheaton’s central business district with mixed-use, transit-oriented development. The project will provide a new 14-story Montgomery County Government office building, about 400 below ground parking spaces, retail and residential space and a new town square. The most significant area impacted during construction is the Wheaton Triangle area between Veirs Mill Road and Georgia Avenue. The local roads of the Triangle area include Grandview Avenue, Reedie Drive and Triangle Lane.

The project, which got underway in June 2017, continues on-schedule and within budget. However, with each significant step, some aspects of the area occasionally are impacted.

Construction of the new building will require two tower cranes. One crane will be situated at the south end of the site near Reedie Drive and the second crane will be at the north end of the site near the construction field offices.

The concrete foundation for the south crane was placed last week. The crane delivery and erection will require the two-day closure of Reedie Drive to allow for the crane set up.

The temporary closure of Reedie Drive will be limited to the area between Triangle Lane and Grandview Avenue. Access to Triangle Lane and Grandview Avenue will be provided at all times. Signs will be posted alerting motorists of the road closure.

The north tower crane is scheduled to arrive on January 26.

Another major step in the project’s process is scheduled for later in January when the deep excavation for the building foundation reaches bottom. All excavation is scheduled to be completed by January 28—weather permitting.

A camera has been installed to view construction on the site and can be accessed via the project’s website at: wheatonproject.com.

Another significant part of the process is planned for a yet undetermined January start as the former Mid-County Regional Services Center Building will be demolished. The building was vacated in September. That location will become a town square providing space for public use and entertainment purposes.

Additional street lighting has been added along Reedie Drive and Triangle Lane as a measure of safety during the diminished daylight days of winter.

Several Ride On and Metrobus routes in the Wheaton Downtown area were changed and some bus stops relocated as of December 17.

No bus routes were eliminated, but their paths have been somewhat altered. The affected bus routes are:

• Ride On Routes 7, 8, 9 and 31.
• Metrobus Routes C2, C4, Y2, Y7 and Y8.

The locations of the new bus stops are:

• Near the southwest corner of University Boulevard and Fern Street.
• On the east side of Grandview Avenue at Kensington Boulevard.

The route changes necessitated the elimination of the following bus stops:

• Amherst Avenue: Metrobus Stop ID: 2000519; Ride On Stop ID: 20022.
• Georgia Avenue: Metrobus Stop ID: 2000507.
• Georgia Avenue: Metrobus Stop ID: 2000525, Ride On Stop ID: 22770.
• Reedie Drive: Metrobus Stop ID: 2005422, Ride On Stop ID: 25238.

Ride On RealTime will reflect the bus stop changes beginning January 8 (the Ride On service change date).  Routes 7, 8, 9, and 31 changed to coincide with the Metrobus service change date.

The Wheaton Revitalization Project will create a more walkable, pedestrian friendly community with access to public open space. The project aims to increase use of the Wheaton Metro Station, reduce traffic congestion, increase employment opportunities and services in the area as well as introduce outdoor entertainment opportunities on the new town square.

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Release ID: 18-439
Media Contact: Patrick Lacefield 240-777-6507, Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915