Metro and Maryland transportation officials gathered today to highlight temporary dedicated bus-only lanes that will be installed along MD 355 (Rockville Pike/Wisconsin Avenue) to help riders navigate a major summer Red Line shutdown in Montgomery County.
The temporary lanes will be in place from July 6 through September 6 while Metro completes construction work related to the integration of the Purple Line station at Bethesda. The project will require the closure of Red Line service between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights, including the temporary shutdown of the Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations.
During the closure, Metro will operate free shuttle bus service to replace train service through the affected corridor. An Express Shuttle will run directly between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights with an estimated travel time of 26 minutes. A Local Shuttle will stop at North Bethesda, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, Bethesda, and Friendship Heights, with travel times between stations estimated at approximately 10 minutes.
Metro says shuttle buses will operate every 5 to 8 minutes during normal Metrorail operating hours. To help keep buses moving efficiently, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is installing nearly 7.5 lane-miles of temporary dedicated bus lanes along MD 355 using new striping and signage. Eight digital message boards will also be deployed to notify drivers about lane restrictions.
Beginning July 6, vehicles will be prohibited from using the bus-only lanes Monday through Saturday from 6:30am to 9:30pm. “We want to thank the Maryland State Highway Administration, Montgomery County Department of Transportation, and our law enforcement partners for their help in creating and enforcing these bus lanes,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “We know construction impacts customer travel, but these temporary dedicated lanes will make sure summer travel on Metro is as easy as possible.”
“The Maryland Department of Transportation is working to keep people moving along this busy corridor and ease congestion,” said Joe McAndrew. “With the temporary bus lanes and a MARC Train discount, MDOT is proud to work alongside our partners at Metro and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation to keep our transportation system running safely and reliably.”
Metro previously announced that free shuttle buses, free parking at select stations, and free Ride On service connecting to Metro stations will be available throughout the closure period.
