Montgomery Parks has been given the go-ahead from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) following its September 5 commission meeting to proceed with Vision Zero improvements on Little Falls Parkway. Design and permitting will continue this fall with anticipated construction to begin spring of 2025.
NCPC commissioners approved the project, finding that the improvements align with the requirements of the Capper-Cramton Act. The act mandates that any development of parkland purchased with Capper-Cramton funds must be consistent with park use and public benefits. The project was reviewed and unanimously approved by the Montgomery County Council in January 2024.
The project will reconfigure a 0.4-mile segment of Little Falls Parkway from Arlington Road to Dorset Avenue from four lanes to two lanes, maintaining the existing grass median dividing the lanes. Other improvements include a new protected shared-use path and buffered bicycle lane and other traffic, safety, environmental, and connectivity improvements.
“We are eager to permanently implement these important traffic calming and mobility improvements to ensure the safety of all parkway users—pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers,” said Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks.