Plans Aim to Improve Safety, Access and Connections Throughout Area
(July 22, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host a public open house, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, to present the latest design improvements for two projects in Montgomery County -- a safety and accessibility project in the Montgomery Hills area along MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) and a project for a protected bicycle lane on MD 390 (16th Street). The open house will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 1607 Grace Church Road, Silver Spring.
The MD 97 Montgomery Hills Safety and Accessibility Project extends along MD 97 from south of MD 390 (16th Street) to MD 192 (Forest Glen Road), including the interchange with the Capital Beltway (I-495) near the Forest Glen Metro Station. (See map, orange area.)
MD 97 and MD 390, with meeting location and project limits
The plan includes the replacement of a reversible lane with a landscaped median, dedicated turn lanes, interchange modifications, a new signal at Flora Lane and sidewalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. More details are available on the Project Portal page.
The area for the MD 390 (16th Street) Woodside Protected Bicycle Lane Project extends from Spring Street to 2nd Avenue. (See map, green area.) These plans seek to improve bicycle and pedestrian accessibility and safety along 16th Street and provide connections to other bicycle facilities as well as the Forest Glen Metro Station and future Woodside Purple Line Station. The project includes an eight-foot-wide, two-way protected bicycle lane, a concrete/grass median separating vehicle traffic from the bicycle lane, a six-foot-wide ADA-compliant sidewalk and other features. Details are available on the Project Portal page.
During the July 31 open house, attendees can view design details for both projects, with maps and displays showcasing the proposed improvements. State Highway Administration representatives will be available to listen to feedback and answer project-related questions. There will be no formal presentation, and members of the public may attend any time between 6-8 p.m.
Those requiring assistance to participate in the public open house, such as those seeking an interpreter for hearing/speech concerns or help with the English language, may send an email to shatitleVI@mdot.maryland.gov in advance of the meeting. Please indicate the desired language in the subject line. Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1. Any questions about the meeting or general inquiries can be sent to the email above.