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Four Open House Meetings on Future of I-270 and I-495 To Be Held by MDOT This Fall

The Maryland Department of Transportation announces the addition of a fourth open house meeting this fall to engage the public on the American Legion Bridge and 270 Corridor Program and gather community feedback as the program advances. The meetings provide the opportunity for corridor travelers, project neighbors and other stakeholders to directly engage with the program team on potential multimodal transportation solutions for the corridor. The newly announced open house is centrally located in the program corridor:

  • Saturday, December 2, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Parkway, Rockville. Transit Accessible: Ride On routes 56, 301.

The series of open houses follow Governor Wes Moore’s August 21 announcement of the path forward for the future of the I-495 and I-270 corridors with a comprehensive program to improve access, opportunity, and quality of life in the Washington region through multimodal enhancements along the I-495 and I-270 corridors, including replacement of the aging American Legion Bridge. The previously announced open houses will take place at three venues along the program corridor:

  • Monday, November 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda. Transit Accessible: WMATA Red Line, Bethesda Station; Metrobus J2; Ride On routes 29, 32, 34, 47, 70.
  • Wednesday, November 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg. Transit Accessible: Ride On routes 54, 55, 56, 59, 61.
  • Thursday, November 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Frederick High School, 650 Carroll Parkway, Frederick. Transit Accessible: Connector routes 40, 50, 51.

​The same information will be available at each meeting at stations staffed by program team members. There will not be a formal presentation. Meeting materials will be available beginning on November 6 at www.americanlegionbridge270.com. The public is strongly encouraged to participate in the open house meetings. The Maryland Department of Transportation is committed to a collaborative approach to developing transportation solutions for the region.

As part of the American Legion Bridge and 270 Corridor Program, the Maryland Department of Transportation is advancing the following transportation solutions alongside stakeholder engagement:

  • Transit and Ridesharing. Maryland will advance transit options and transportation demand management enhancements along the American Legion Bridge, I-495 and I-270 corridors. The program will implement strategies such as express bus options in Maryland and connections to Virginia, ridesharing incentives and parallel transportation improvements including MARC Brunswick Line enhancements and Bus Rapid Transit.
  • Transit-Oriented Development. The Maryland Department of Transportation will advance Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) opportunities throughout the corridors. Maryland has previously supported TOD planning and implementation efforts throughout the WMATA Metrorail system. As part of this program, Maryland will look to accelerate investment in key corridor TOD projects to unlock new developments that create sustainable and inclusive communities.
  • Phased Approach to Managed Lanes.Implementation of managed lanes will be phased, with the American Legion Bridge, I-495 to the I-270 West Spur, and the I-270 West Spur being the focus for initial implementation. The section from the I-270 West Spur to I-370, including through the City of Rockville, will be addressed in a later phase. This phasing will allow for a rational and fiscally prudent phased development
  • A Comprehensive Planning Strategy for I-270. Maryland will launch a formal environmental study to identify the transportation needs of I-270 North of the Intercounty Connector/MD 200, consider a range of concepts including transit and transportation demand management, and evaluate multimodal approaches for near-term implementation and construction.
  • Engagement on Delivery Method.Maryland will engage the public on the potential implementation of the managed lanes as a publicly funded and delivered project.

Those requiring assistance to participate in the open houses, such as a need for an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, should send an email in advance to [email protected]. Please indicate the desired language in the subject line. The Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1.

Featured photo courtesy of Montgomery Planning

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MDOT to Hold Public Meetings on American Legion Bridge and 270 Corridor Program in November

The Maryland Department of Transportation has announced a series of open house meetings from November 13-16 to engage the public on the American Legion Bridge and 270 Corridor Program and gather community feedback as the program advances. The meetings provide the opportunity for corridor travelers, project neighbors and other stakeholders to directly engage with the program team on potential multimodal transportation solutions for the corridor.

The open houses follow Governor Wes Moore’s August 21 announcement of the path forward for the future of the I-495 and I-270 corridors with a comprehensive program to improve access, opportunity, and quality of life in the Washington region through multimodal enhancements along the I-495 and     I-270 corridors, including replacement of the aging American Legion Bridge. The open houses will take place at three venues along the program corridor:

  • Monday, November 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda. Transit Accessible: WMATA Red Line, Bethesda Station; Metrobus J2; Ride On routes 29, 32, 34, 47, 70.
  • Wednesday, November 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg. Transit Accessible: Ride On routes 54, 55, 56, 59, 61.
  • Thursday, November 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Frederick High School, 650 Carroll Parkway, Frederick. Transit Accessible: Connector routes 40, 50, 51.

The same information will be available at each meeting at stations staffed by program team members. There will not be a formal presentation. Meeting materials will be available beginning on November 6 at www.americanlegionbridge270.com. The public is strongly encouraged to participate in the open house meetings. The Maryland Department of Transportation is committed to a collaborative approach to developing transportation solutions for the region. As part of the American Legion Bridge and 270 Corridor Program, the Maryland Department of Transportation is advancing the following transportation solutions alongside stakeholder engagement:

  • Transit and Ridesharing. Maryland will advance transit options and transportation demand management enhancements along the American Legion Bridge, I-495 and I-270 corridors. The program will implement strategies such as express bus options in Maryland and connections to Virginia, ridesharing incentives and parallel transportation improvements including MARC Brunswick Line enhancements and Bus Rapid Transit.
  • Transit-Oriented Development. The Maryland Department of Transportation will advance Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) opportunities throughout the corridors. Maryland has previously supported TOD planning and implementation efforts throughout the WMATA Metrorail system. As part of this program, Maryland will look to accelerate investment in key corridor TOD projects to unlock new developments that create sustainable and inclusive communities.
  • Phased Approach to Managed Lanes. Implementation of managed lanes will be phased, with the American Legion Bridge, I-495 to the I-270 West Spur, and the I-270 West Spur being the focus for initial implementation. The section from the I-270 West Spur to I-370, including through the City of Rockville, will be addressed in a later phase. This phasing will allow for a rational and fiscally prudent phased development.
  • A Comprehensive Planning Strategy for I-270. Maryland will launch a formal environmental study to identify the transportation needs of I-270 North of the Intercounty Connector/MD 200, consider a range of concepts including transit and transportation demand management, and evaluate multimodal approaches for near-term implementation and construction.
  • Engagement on Delivery Method. Maryland will engage the public on the potential implementation of the managed lanes as a publicly funded and delivered project.
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Jackknifed Tractor Trailer on I-495 Saturday Morning; Multiple Collisions Reported Across the County

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the outer loop of I-495 between Connecticut Ave and Rockville Pike, in the area of Cedar Lane, for the report of a jackknifed tractor with fuel spill on Saturday, September 23, around 8am.  According to the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, this will be an extended incident and drivers should seek an alternate route if possible.

Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer also reported the following collisions between 7-8:30am:

  • SB I270 between Route 28 and Montrose Rd, collision
  • Georgia Avenue & University Blvd. West, collision
  • EB MD200 ICC Between Route 29 & I95/PGCo line, collision, vehicle hit Jersey wall and went off road into woods/trees
  • OL I495 beltway between University Boulevard and Colesville Road, collision
  • SB I270 between I370 and Shady Grove, Road, collision, single vehicle
  • Clara Barton Parkway and MacArthur Boulevard, collision, light pole/traffic control system damaged
  • IL I495 beltway between University Boulevard and New Hampshire Ave., collision

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Collision Closes All Lanes of I-270 S Prior to Democracy Blvd Thursday Morning

Update: All lanes have now reopened. 
The Maryland State Highway Administration tweeted at 8:20am on Thursday, August 10, that all lanes of I-270 S, prior to Exit 1 (Democracy Blvd) were closed due to a collision. According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Pete Piringer, the collision occurred at the I-270 spur (in the area of Westlake Terrace bridge) and involved several vehicles, including an overturned truck.

Per the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, “Fire department activity blocks 4 lanes of SB I-270 just prior to Exit 1/Democracy Blvd. Only the right lane gets by. Expect significant delays. Seek alternate route. #MdTraffic” We will post an update when additional information is available.

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MCFRS Respond to Vehicle Fire Thursday Morning

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a vehicle fire on Thursday, June 6, around 11:30am. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the incident occurred on the outloop I-495 in the area of River Rd, near exit 41. The vehicle was “well-involved” when firefighters arrived at the scene. Some lanes are currently blocked and drivers should expect residual delays.

We will post an update when additional information is available. Photo courtesy of @ch3lsxaa on Instagram.

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Tractor Trailer Crash Shuts Down I-495S at I-270 Spur

Tractor Trailer Crash occurred at I-495 SB (Outer Loop) at the I-270 Spur in Montgomery County, MD. All lanes of the Outer Loop are blocked. Delays are approximately 1.5 miles.

Per our public safety reporter Cordell Pugh, Maryland State Police, Montgomery County Police, and MDSHA working to divert traffic off the Outer Loop of the Beltway (I-495 West) on to MD-187/Old Georgetown Road. Tonight’s crash, which involved 2 tractor-trailers, occurred shortly after 7PM. Featured photo courtesy of MDOT.

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Update: Trooper Hospitalized After Being Struck Early Monday in Work Zone; Driver Suspected of Impairment

Per the Maryland State Police: A Maryland state trooper is hospitalized for injuries he sustained early this morning when his patrol vehicle was struck by a driver suspected of impairment while working traffic control in a Montgomery County highway construction zone. The injured trooper, assigned to the College Park Barrack, was working enforcement inside a work zone area in the inner loop of I-495 at University Boulevard with his emergency lights activated. He was transported by ambulance to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for treatment.

The driver of a white Mercedes SUV is identified as Anthony Bowser, 31, of Washington, D.C. Bowser was transported to Suburban Hospital. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation and consultation with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Just after 4:30 a.m. today, troopers from the Rockville Barrack responded to a crash in a work zone area on the inner loop of I-495 in Montgomery County. The preliminary investigation indicates Bowser drove into the construction zone and struck the rear of a Maryland State Police patrol vehicle. The trooper was inside of his vehicle at the time of the crash.

Emergency responders from the Montgomery County Fire Department assisted at the scene. Officers from the Montgomery County Police Department also responded to assist. Personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration continue to work the lane closures. The Maryland State Police Crash Team continues the investigation. Investigators believe speed and impairment may have contributed to the crash.

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Four Lanes Closed On Portion of I-495 After State Trooper’s SUV Was Struck By Driver; At Least Two Transported to Hospital

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRA) were called to the scene of a collision on between Colesville Rd and New Hampshire Ave on the inner loop of I-495 at approximately 4:30am Monday morning.

According to a 6:15am update by Maryland State Police, “Shortly after 4:30 a.m. a trooper inside of his marked SUV was rear ended while working in a work zone area. He was transported to Shock Trauma. Maryland State Police Crash Team is on the scene.  Lanes 1, 2, 3, 4 closed for the investigation. Motorists urged to find alternate routes.” According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, at least two adults were transported to the hospital, including the trooper, one with Pri 2 trauma (non-life-threatening) and one with Pri 3 trauma (non-life-threatening).

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MCFRS Respond to Collision Involving Overturned Vehicle on I-495 Thursday Afternoon

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision involving an overturned vehicle on outer loop I-495 just after the I-270 spur on Thursday, April 27 around 12:45pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, two adults were transported to the hospital, including one patient with Priority 2 trauma and one patient with non-life threatening injuries. Drivers should expect residual delays. We will post an update if additional information is available.

Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Approx 1245p OL I495 Beltway IAO Bradley Blvd, collision @mcfrs A723, RS741B, PE720, A710, PE711, BC702, SA700 responded, @MCFRS_EMIHS transported 2 adults incl 1 Pri2 trauma & 1 other NLT, some lanes were blocked @mdsha @MDSP”

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State Highway Administration Work on I-495 (Beltway) in Montgomery County Starting Sunday, April 16, Likely Will Cause Overnight Disruptions Through Late Spring

Per Montgomery County: The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin milling and paving at several locations on I-495 in Montgomery County starting Sunday, April 16. Work will take place nightly from 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Weather permitting, all work will be complete by late spring. During work periods, motorists can expect lane shifts and lane closures to establish a safe work zone. The roadwork can cause delays. The work will help preserve the pavement and create a smoother ride quality on I-495. Work also will be performed on I-95 in Prince George’s County.
Work on the following locations will directly impact traffic in Montgomery County:

  • I-495 (Capital Beltway) Inner Loop (eastbound) between the bridge over Northwest Branch east of MD 193 (University Boulevard) and the Prince George’s County.
  • I-495 Outer Loop (westbound) between MD 193 and Seminary Road.
  • I-495 Inner Loop (eastbound) between the Seminary Road bridge and just east of US 29 (Columbia Pike).
  • I-495 Inner Loop (eastbound) between MD 193 and MD 97 (Georgia Avenue).

Questions about the work can be directed to the State Highway Administration District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or 1-800-749-0737. For a list of all major State Highway projects, go to its project portal or visit its homepage at roads.maryland.gov. To see real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov

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