The start of school means increased traffic, fewer hours of daylight and more buses on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers tips for parents, students, drivers, walkers and bikers to make this school season a safe one.
Organize a Walking School Bus to Promote Fitness
With one adult escort, walking school buses are a fun way to get kids to school safely while promoting healthy exercise. Read more.
MCDOT Opens Rebuilt Goldmine Road Bridge
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Congressman John Sarbanes and MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh joined Brookeville residents and community leaders to dedicate a new bridge on Gold Mine Road over the Hawlings River that expands traffic flow from one to two lanes, improves pedestrian and bicycle safety and alleviates conditions that led to bridge flooding several times a year following heavy rains. Read more.
Ride On Recognized with Fleet of the Year Award
Ride On is pleased to accepted the award for “Transit Fleet of the Year” from the Greater Washington Region Clean City Coalition. The award recognizes Ride On’s commitment to clean transportation in its operation of 125 compressed natural gas (CNG) and 68 hybrid buses. Collectively, these 193 buses displaced almost 1.15 million gallons of gasoline in 2018 and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3,800 tons. Read more.
Drivers – Stay Alert and Save a Life
“Pedestrian safety is at the front of our minds, as always. Urban centers like Bethesda simply don't work if people can't walk—safely. We're redoubling our efforts with Maryland State Highway Administration and Montgomery County Department of Transportation to implement solutions at problem spots. Nothing we do, however, can succeed unless drivers are alert. Drivers must be full participants in the walkable, vibrant urban center we all want. Next time you are in your car, put down the phone and be alert for pedestrians and cyclists. An email isn't worth your neighbor's life.”
—Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center Director Ken Hartman, August 21 newsletter
White Flint West Project Update
White Flint is getting a makeover through new construction and reconstruction of highways and arterial roads, including intersections, that will result in a more walkable, bikeable community. Utility infrastructure relocation and construction continues and this portion of the project is expected to be completed this summer. Read more.
Changes Coming to Several Bethesda Garages
Beginning Monday, September 9, MCDOT will begin replacing parking meters with centralized pay stations in the Woodmont-Rugby, Auburn-Del Ray, Maple Avenue, Cordell-St. Elmo, Cheltenham and Bethesda-Elm garages. Customers will be able to pay for parking using cash, credit cards or via cell using the MobileNOW! or Parkmobile apps. Learn more about centralized pay stations.
Construction of Separated Bike Lanes on Executive Boulevard
MCDOT is constructing one-way separated bike lanes along Executive Boulevard, from Woodglen Drive to Nicholson Lane. On or about August 25, crews will begin resurfacing the road and adding new pavement markings. The work will be done overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Once completed, crews will add lane markings, signing and curb bike lane barriers (instead of flex posts). The lanes are expected to be complete in September.
Davis Mill Road Closed
Davis Mill Road in Germantown has closed indefinitely between its two intersections with Wildcat Road due to embankment erosion. Heavy rains have caused Wildcat Branch at the base of the embankment to migrate, resulting in pavement cracks along the road. The erosion has also compromised guard rail posts in this area. Learn more.
MCDOT to Hold Public Hearing for Proposed Lyttonsville Sidewalk Construction on October 2
Residents are invited to a public hearing to comment on the proposed addition of sidewalk segments in Lyttonsville on Michigan, Pennsylvania and Kansas Avenues. The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at Rosemary Hills Elementary School. Comments may also be provided by email or mail. Read more.
Walk, Bike or Use Transit and Earn Cash
Commuter Connections has introduced a new program called IncenTrip that awards points for non-auto based peak hour commutes. Use the app and earn up to $10 after completing 10 trips with the potential to earn up to $600 in a calendar year. Learn more.
Red Light Running Death Toll Hits 10-Year High
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the number of people killed in red light running crashes reached a 10-year high and increased by 28 percent since 2012. Read more.
Speed Identified as the Best Predictor of Car Crashes
Speeding is the riskiest kind of aggressive driving, according to researchers at the University of Waterloo. They found that the driving behaviors most likely to cause collisions were speeding, hard braking, hard acceleration and hard cornering. Read more.
Child Passenger Safety Week is September 15-21
Be sure your child is protected by the correct car seat for their age, height and weight. See marketing materials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that explain how to check car seats, booster seats and seat belts. Read more.
Google Maps Now Let Users Combine Transit Directions with Biking and Ride-Sharing
Google Maps announced the launch of a new feature that allows those using a variety of transportation modes to get directions to their destination. Learn more.
Does the Washington Area Really Have the Third Worst Traffic in the Nation?
According to David Alpert, executive director of Greater, Greater Washington, the Texas Transportation Institute study that regularly evaluates the nation’s traffic congestion uses a flawed methodology to determine which commuters have the worst traffic congestion. Read more for another point of view
August 30, 2019
MCDOT to Observe Labor Day Holiday, Monday, September 2
Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
“My wife and I are seniors, and we've really been enjoying the new sidewalks installed by our county this summer. We now have safe routes for our daily strolls. The sidewalks seem to have changed the whole character of the neighborhood to a much more pedestrian-friendly, child-friendly environment…. I sat down to pay our semi-annual property tax bill this afternoon with genuine gratitude.”
—T. O’Connor
Celebrate PARK(ing) Day on September 20
MCDOT is encouraging artists, planners, businesses, organizations, groups and individuals to participate in International PARK(ing) Day on September 20 by temporarily transforming a metered parking space in Silver Spring or Bethesda into a fun, parklike spot. Learn more.
Ride Smart Travel Training Workshops for Seniors
Register for a FREE one-day workshop to learn how to travel to destinations of your choice using public transit on September 4 or September 18. To register, contact Connect-A-Ride or email connectaride@accessjca.org.
September is National Preparedness Month
This month is a good time for you and your loved ones to prepare for an emergency. Take advantage of local preparedness classes, sign up for Alert Montgomery and learn how you can prepare for an emergency.
MCDOT Sponsors Adult Learn to Ride Cycle Classes This Fall
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 have teamed up to offer two adult classes this fall for all skills. Register now!
Wheaton Revitalization Update
Grandview Avenue will be closed on Saturday, September 7 from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. to stage a large mobile crane to hoist the Wheaton Office Building’s cooling tower and other mechanical equipment atop the building. The MCDOT project to build a new Town Center, office building for County agencies and departments and underground parking garage is about 70 percent complete. View the construction site activities live and learn more about the project: