Montgomery County Executive Elrich Announces ‘Shared Streets’ Will Be Continued Throughout Summer Months by Montgomery County Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Friday, June 11, 2021

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has announced that the County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), which led the “Shared Streets” program during the COVID-19 health crisis, will extend it throughout the summer. The Shared Streets program allows residents and businesses to use public spaces for in-street activities such as biking, walking, outdoor dining and retail activity.

The concept aims to bring residents together in a safe outdoor environment while supporting County businesses that have struggled from the economic impacts of COVID-19.

"Safe and accessible public spaces are a critical aspect of our community’s connectedness and vibrancy,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Throughout the pandemic, Shared Streets has been a creative solution that has changed the way we view gathering places and benefits residents and businesses alike. We are happy to be able to continue this initiative throughout the summer months.”

MCDOT is also working with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s, State Highway Administration to allow for bicycles and vehicles to safety share 1.35 miles of State road MD 193 (University Boulevard) from Amhurst Avenue to Arcola Avenue in Wheaton. The pilot program will run through late fall, weather permitting. The pilot includes new traffic patterns and temporarily repurposed lanes, providing shared access to and from commercial, residential and recreational centers in Wheaton.

“It is great news that MCDOT will continue our widely popular Shared Streets program throughout the summer,” said County Executive Elrich. “As we continue to reopen, we are encouraging all Montgomery County residents and visitors to support our restaurants. The Shared Streets programs will allow restaurants to serve more tables while diners can enjoy summer weather and festive atmospheres. Thanks to MCDOT for making sure our Shared Streets experience is efficient for restaurant employees, safe for pedestrians, bikers and motorists and an enjoyable experience for all patrons.”

In addition to Shared Streets, MCDOT had transformed certain local streets into temporary “neighborhood greenways” during the pandemic to allow for the safe gathering of pedestrians and bicyclists while limiting vehicles to local traffic only. Many of the greenways will be changing or reopening to vehicles to allow for the increase in traffic as the County emerges from the pandemic.  

For more information on MCDOT’s Shared Streets program and a listing of locations visit, montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreet. Follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, and subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter. 

Release ID: 21-082
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282