MDOT SHA to Host First of Eight Managed Lanes Study Public Workshops Tonight in Landover

(April 11, 2019) - Tonight, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is holding the first of eight public workshops in April and May, to present the results of preliminary traffic and environmental studies for the I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study. The MDOT SHA has been studying seven Screened Alternatives (as announced in February) and is proposing to carry all seven forward as the Alternatives Retained for Detailed Study (ARDS) in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. 

“Maryland needs to address congestion in the DC region,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Greg Slater.  “If we don’t find a solution now, Marylanders will be sitting in traffic for many years to come – and that would be unfortunate. With the Managed Lanes Study, possible solutions for an improved transportation network and accessibility to transit options are being analyzed. With this Study along with the Purple Line and other transportation efforts, MDOT is seeking to implement a connected network of choices for Maryland travelers, and businesses. The I-495 and I-270 traffic relief studies are about giving people time back in their lives and providing them with a reliable trip. Who doesn’t need time back in their day?”

A recent report released by the national transportation research nonprofit TRIP showed the average commuter in the Washington national Capital Region loses 87 hours to congestion annually.  Analyses for the I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study show that the hours lost to congestion will continue to grow for commuters on I-495 and I-270 under the no-build alternative. Preliminary analyses for the build alternatives under study for the I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study show the average savings per commuter on I-495 and I-270 would vary from 45 hours to 73 hours per year.     

Congestion relief would also be expected on many of the local arterial roads due to reduced demand and less cut-through traffic, with up to nearly a 7 percent reduction in delays projected on the local roadway network on a daily basis in 2040. 

Detailed traffic data will be presented at the workshops to demonstrate how each of the ARDS would affect travel along I-495, I-270, and throughout the region.  Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to see how each alternative could improve their specific commute on I-495 and I-270 in the future by using a “My Commute” calculator tool that will be available at all of the workshops. 

MDOT SHA has added two workshops in May, in addition to the six in April. The workshops will be held at the following dates and times:

Thursday, April 11, 2019
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Rd.
Landover, MD 20785

Saturday, April 13, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Pyle Middle School
6311 Wilson Ln.
Bethesda, MD 20817

Tuesday, April 23, 2019
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
7601 Hanover Pkwy
Greenbelt, MD 20770

Wednesday, April 24, 2019
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Eastern Middle School
300 University Blvd, East
Silver Spring, MD 20901

Thursday, April 25, 2019
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Thomas Wootton High School
2100 Wootton Pkwy
Rockville, MD 20850

Saturday, April 27, 2019
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Suitland Community Center
5600 Regency Lane
Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746

Tuesday, May 14, 2019
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Oxon Hill High School

6701 Leyte Drive
Oxon Hill, MD  20745

Thursday, May 16, 2019
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Seneca Valley High School
19401 Crystal Rock Drive
Germantown, MD 20874

The MDOT SHA study team will be available at each of the eight workshops, including two on Saturdays, to answer questions about the alternatives analysis. Large-format maps will be available via paper displays and digitally on large screens and iPads. The workshops will also feature educational display boards and two identical short presentations, each followed by an opportunity for brief general questions and answers.

Comment cards will be available for people wishing to provide a documented written comment and a verbatim reporter to take verbal comments.  Feedback is also welcome throughout the study online at 495-270-P3.com, via email at 495-270-P3@sha.state.md.us or through the mail to:

 

For more information about the recommended Screened Alternatives, including the screening criteria and process, as well as all of the display boards and a video of the presentation, visit the program website at 495-270-p3.com.