(October 21, 2019) - The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will hold a series of public workshops in November to seek public input on potential solutions to reduce congestion on I-270 between I-370 and I-70. Multiple studies over the last decade have shown that the National Capital Region is one of the most congested in the nation, and Marylanders face the second highest commuting times in the country. On average, I-270 is congested seven hours each day. 

MDOT SHA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are evaluating potential solutions as part of Governor Larry Hogan's I-495 & I-270 Traffic Relief Plan. The process will begin with early planning activities prior to an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The initial pre-NEPA activities include the workshops, as well as a review of existing and future traffic, and roadway and environmental conditions.

The pre-NEPA workshops will provide an overview of the pre-NEPA activities and the NEPA process, discuss the transportation needs of the corridor, and identify potential solutions and existing environmental conditions. The workshops will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations in Frederick and Montgomery counties:

• Tuesday, November 12, 2019 – Clarksburg High School, 22500 Wims Road, Clarksburg, MD  20871;

• Wednesday, November 13, 2019 – Lincoln Recreation Center, Lincoln Elementary School, 200 Madison St., Frederick, MD  21701;

• Wednesday, November 20, 2019 – Urbana Fire Department Banquet Hall, 3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD  21704; and

• Thursday, November 21, 2019 – Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD  20877.

The workshop materials will include informational displays and handouts. Staff will be available to answer questions, and there will be a brief presentation at 7 p.m. at each workshop. The presentation will also be available online at 495-270-P3.com. Comments can be submitted online at the same web address, by emailing 270-study-P3@mdot.maryland.gov, or verbally or in writing at the meeting. They can be also be mailed to:

Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration
707 North Calvert St., Mail Stop P-601
Baltimore MD 21202

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE: The Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1.  Persons requiring assistance to participate, such as an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, should contact the project toll-free number at 833-858-5960 by November 1, 2019.  For more information, please visit 495-270-p3.com.