$93 Million Project Expands Traffic Capacity, Reduces Congestion and Enhances Safety for Commuters, Residents and Businesses 

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) earlier this week announced completion of a $93 million project to reconstruct and expand the I-270/MD 85 (Buckeystown Pike) interchange in Frederick County. This project enhances safety, reduces congestion and expands traffic capacity in this heavily traveled residential and commercial area.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) we’re called to the scene of a collision on southbound I-270 on Thursday morning at approximately 7am, according to MCFRS public information officer Pete Piringer.

The collision blocked two lanes and was the cause of some traffic during the morning rush, but has since been cleared, with all lanes now open. One patient was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries believed to be minor at this time.


Per WSSC at 6:41pn on Wednesday, November 16th: Water main on Clopper Rd in Germantown was repaired this afternoon. Water has been restored to all impacted customers. Crews will now begin road repairs & paving overnight. One lane remains open alternating traffic direction.

Previous updates: The 24” water main repairs continue at Clopper Rd, between Mateny and Game Preserve, according to a social media posting by WSSC Water. “The large pipe has been dug up and will be cut out and replaced at site of break as soon as water flow within the pipe can be completely stopped. This is often a challenge… getting valves to hold closed.”


Per WSSC at 6:41pn on Wednesday, November 16th: Water main on Clopper Rd in Germantown was repaired this afternoon. Water has been restored to all impacted customers. Crews will now begin road repairs & paving overnight. One lane remains open alternating traffic direction.

The 24” water main repairs continue at Clopper Rd, between Mateny and Game Preserve, according to a social media posting by WSSC Water. “The large pipe has been dug up and will be cut out and replaced at site of break as soon as water flow within the pipe can be completely stopped. This is often a challenge… getting valves to hold closed.”


There were five reported collisions on highways in Montgomery County prior to 10am Friday morning, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) public information officer Pete Piringer.

The collisions occurred on the inner loop of I-495 near University Boulevard, at the southbound I-270 Spur near Democracy Boulevard, on the ramp from east bound Shady Grove Rd to north bound I-270, on the ramp from west bound Montrose Rd to north bound I270, and on southbound I-270 between Route 121 & route 27.


Starting Monday, November 14, a long-term pedestrian detour along Wisconsin Ave will go into effect around the work zone for Purple Line construction. The crosswalk between Elm St. & Waverly St. will be closed. A new crosswalk with signals at Elm St will be available. Pedestrians will need to use the signed detour. See photos below for additional information/exact location.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue services responded to a “well-involved” vehicle fire and collision on Thursday, November 10, around 1pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the incident occurred on Northbound 270 past Rockledge Dr.  The fire has been extinguished and EMS is currently evaluating one patient. Some lanes are currently blocked and drivers should expect delays. We will post an update when additional information becomes available.

Per @mcfrsPIO on twitter: “Update – NB I270 past Rockledge Dr Single car into the wall, caught fire, “well-involved”, fire extinguished, MCFRS_EMIHS evaluating single patient, @mcfrs  PE726, M726, RS741, BC702, EMS702, VC700 on scene, some lanes blocked”


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a fuel spill on the outer loop of I-495 between New Hampshire Avenue and University Boulevard at approximately 1:38pm on Tuesday afternoon, according to MCFRS Public Information Officer Pete Piringer. 

The driver of a truck with an 80 gallon fuel tank struck an object on the road, causing damage that led to the fuel tank leaking on the highway. The three right lanes of the outer loop in the area of spill remain blocked as of 3:30pm. Ramps onto the outer loop of I-495 from New Hampshire Avenue are currently closed as hazmat crews continue to work.


Per Rockville City Police: “Traffic alert! The Rockville 10K will be racing through the streets of King Farm and West Gude Dr on Sunday, Nov 6 starting at 8:00 am. Roads will be closed by RCPD, stay alert and good luck to all the runners!!”

Race Information: The 47th annual Rockville 10K/5K is still registering runners until Friday, Nov. 4.  The oldest continuing foot race in Montgomery County — which includes a 1-mile fun run for kids — will take place the morning of Sunday, Nov. 6. The course begins and ends in King Farm and travels a scenic route along Redland Boulevard (west of Grand Champion Drive), Gaither Road, Piccard Drive and West Gude Drive.


As part of the Town of Poolesville’s ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety, the Town has installed new flashing crosswalk signs at the intersection of Fisher and Wootton Avenues.

These flashing crosswalk signs should more easily alert motorists to pedestrians wanting to cross at the intersection, creating a safer environment for our residents. Improvements will also be made to W. Willard Road, including the recently completed sidewalk and crosswalks, and new signage will also be added here.


Per the National Park Service: After careful consideration, the National Park Service (NPS) has decided to keep the upper portion of Beach Drive closed to motorized vehicles year-round. This decision will allow visitors to enjoy the park’s recreation and nature opportunities 365 days a year.

In July 2022, the NPS published the Environmental Assessment (EA) for public comment and shared three alternatives for consideration: Alternative 1: No-Action Alternative Pre-Covid-19 Pandemic Management; Alternative 2: Full-Time Closure for Recreation; and Alternative 3: Seasonal Closure for Recreation, the preferred alternative at the time of the EA publication. Based on the analysis presented in the EA, extensive public input and NPS internal deliberation and analysis, the NPS has selected Alternative 2 for implementation. 


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