This week (May 8th), Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) contractors began resurfacing Parklawn Drive in North Bethesda. Crews will be working on weekdays from 9AM to 4PM, resurfacing all lanes of Parklawn Drive between Randolph Road and the CSX Rail bridge (just East of Nebel Street).
Montgomery County-based M. Luis Construction Co., Inc. is performing the work. Crews will be removing the top layer of asphalt and paving a new asphalt surface on top of the existing base course. Work is expected to wrap up in June, as long as the weather cooperates, according to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.
Per MCDOT: Below are the transportation-related schedule changes for the New Year’s holiday weekend, Saturday, Dec. 31, through Monday, Jan. 2:
- MCDOT offices – Will be closed.
- Ride On bus service – Will operate on a Saturday schedule on Dec. 31 and a Sunday schedule on Jan. 1 and 2. View schedules here.
- Flash rapid bus service – Will operate on a Weekend schedule (Orange line only). The Blue line (typically weekday only) will not be in service.
- Ride On extRa and Flex bus service – Not in service.
- TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center – Will be closed.
- TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store – Will be closed.
- Parking at Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton public garages, lots and curbside meters – Parking is free on Jan. 1.
- Metrorail – Will operate on a Saturday schedule on Dec. 31 until 2 a.m. and all trips will be free for riders after 8 p.m. Will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 1 and 2.
- Metrobus – Will operate on a Saturday schedule extended until 2 a.m. on Dec. 31 and all trips will be free for riders after 8 pm. Will operate on a Sunday schedule on Jan. 1 and 2.
- MARC Train – See schedule changes here.
- MTA Commuter bus – See schedules at mta.maryland.gov/service-alerts/13224.
View additional County holiday schedules here.
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Per MCDOT: Ride On buses will be operating on special schedules in Montgomery County for the Christmas (Dec. 24 – 26) and New Year’s (Jan. 1 – 2) holidays.
Dec. 24, 25 and 26:
- Ride On operates until 10 p.m. on Dec. 24 and will operate a Sunday Schedule on Dec. 25 and 26.
- Ride On extRa and Flex buses will not be in service.
- Flash bus service (Orange Line only) will operate on a weekend schedule.
Jan. 1 and 2:
- Ride On will operate on a Sunday Schedule.
- Ride On extRa and Flex buses will not be in service.
- Flash bus service (Orange Line only) will operate on a weekend schedule.
For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
Release ID: 22-163
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282
Per Montgomery County: Below are the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) and regional partners’ transportation-related schedule changes for the Christmas holiday, Saturday, Dec. 24 to Monday, Dec. 26:
- MCDOT offices – Will be closed Dec. 26.
- Ride On bus service – Will operate on a Saturday schedule until 10 p.m. on Dec. 24. Will operate on a Sunday schedule on Dec. 25 and 26. View schedules here.
- Flash rapid bus service – Will operate on a Weekend schedule (Orange line only) Dec. 24-26. The Blue line (typically weekday only) will not be in service Dec. 24-26.
- Ride On extRa and Flex bus service – Not in service Dec. 24-26.
- TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center – Will be closed Dec. 25 and 26.
- TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store – Will be closed Dec. 24-26.
- Parking at Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton public garages, lots and curbside meters – Obey posted rates and restrictions on Dec. 24 and 25. Parking is free on Dec. 26.
- Metrorail – Will operate on a Saturday schedule from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 24. Will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7 a.m. to midnight on Dec. 25 and 26.
- Metrobus – Will operate on a Sunday schedule on Dec. 25 and 26.
- MetroAccess – Subscription trips will be canceled.
- MARC Train and MTA Commuter Bus – See schedules at mta.maryland.gov/service-alerts.
View additional County holiday schedules here.
Per MCDOT:
Beginning Monday, Nov. 14, the bus stop located Westbound on Philadelphia Avenue (bus stop #24859), near Ceder Avenue at the Takoma Park Community Center, will be temporarily closed for approximately one year for the Takoma Park Maryland Library reconstruction project. Riders will be directed to the next nearest stops at Maple Avenue and Philadelphia Avenue (F4 Metro bus) and Maple Avenue and Grant Avenue (17 Ride On bus).
The bus stop will be re-instituted, and the shelter will be re-installed, when construction activities finish. The bus shelter may remain for a while after the stop closure; signage will be posted with alternative bus stop instructions.
Alternate bus stops are as follows:
- Ride On Bus Route 17:
- Stop 23862 – Southbound Maple & Grant Avenues
- Stop 24860 – Westbound Philadelphia & Holly Avenues
- Metrobus Route F4:
- Stop 15356 – Westbound Philadelphia & Maple Avenues
- Stop 24860 – Westbound Philadelphia & Holly Avenues
Fare collection resumed on all Montgomery County buses on August 1. The one-way pre-pandemic fare, which was $2 per ride, is now $1. Monthly passes, which were $45 per rider, are now $22.50. Riders can plan trips online with Ride On Real Time. For the most up-to-date Ride On bus service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts. For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
Per MDOT:
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has started a project to significantly improve safety for bicyclists and motorists on nearly two miles of MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) in North Bethesda. The improvements on MD 187, between south of I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Nicholson Lane, will convert one travel lane in each direction in order to add buffered bicycle lanes and the installation of flex posts to outline the new bicycle lanes. The new buffered bike lane will include green pavement markings as well.
“We appreciate the feedback from community members, elected officials and other stakeholders as we worked to make this vital corridor safer,” said MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. “These improvements on Old Georgetown Road underscore our commitment to a safe, accessible and multimodal approach to our roadways.”
The safety improvements are part of the resurfacing project that began earlier this month. The overall project will be complete by the end of the year, weather permitting.
Images show the existing lanes along MD 187, left, and the safety improvement converting one travel lane to a buffered bicycle lane with flex posts, right. MDOT SHA images
- Installation of high visibility or Continental crosswalk markings.
- Reduction of the number of travel lanes from three lanes to two lanes in each direction.
- Narrowing the remaining 11-foot travel lanes to 10.5 and 10 feet.
- Resurfacing and restriping of the roadway.
“Our top priority is always to make sure our customers reach their destinations safely,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “We ask that motorists obey all of the rules of the road and be extra vigilant when bicyclists are on the road. We are committed to ensuring that our roadways are safe for everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation.”
Motorists can expect single-lane closures on MD 187 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and multiple lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday nights through Friday mornings. Motorists will be guided through the work zone with cones, barrels and arrow boards. With approximately 40,000 vehicles per day use this road, drivers should plan extra commuting time during construction.
Maryland’s Move Over Law requires motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals. The expanded law is in place to protect emergency responders and all motorists who encounter a roadside emergency.
Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile device for roadside assistance.
For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.
Per MCDOT:
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Bicycles that are no longer being used by some can make a big difference for others. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s annual Bicycle Donation Drive on Friday, Oct. 14, will make it easy to donate previously owned bikes and ensure they will have a continued impact. MCDOT is sponsoring the collection of child and adult bikes in partnership with Rockville Bike Hub and Bikes for the World. From 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 14, bikes will be collected (rain or shine) outside of the Montgomery County Council Office Building Garage at East Jefferson and Monroe Street in Rockville.
“This is a great way to help out your community,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Donate your unused or outgrown bicycles, and possibly change the quality of life for someone in need. Bicycles are great for recreation and can serve as a lifeline for residents and connect them to transit stops or destinations that would otherwise be just out of reach.”
Bicycles should be in good working condition or in need of only minor repairs. Rockville Bike Hub volunteers will refurbish the bikes and MCDOT will place them with low-income children and adults in the County through the MCDOT Bike Match Program or through the Rockville Terrific Kids program. MCDOT’s Bike Match program started in June 2020.
“To date, our Bike Match program has received nearly 600 bike requests and we have placed nearly 300 donated bikes,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “However, that still leaves a need for about 300 bikes in just that program. We are hoping to be able to collect enough bikes to match a bike to everyone who has made a request.” The bike donation event also will be accepting donations by check. Checks can be made out to the Rockville Bike Hub and left with staff at the donation site. Donations are tax-deductible.
To enhance the theme of the drive, community members can organize a bike collection at their school, place of worship or within their neighborhood and bring the bikes to Rockville on Oct. 14. For drives that collect 10 or more bikes, MCDOT will arrange to pick them up at a prearranged location. For more information about the bike donation event, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/BikeDrive.html.
For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Media contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282
Para Difusión Inmediata: martes 27 de septiembre de 2022
Se pueden donar bicicletas usadas para niños y adultos en el evento anual del Departamento de Transporte el viernes 14 de octubre en Rockville
Las bicicletas que algunos ya no utilizan pueden marcar una gran diferencia para otros. La campaña anual de donación de bicicletas del Departamento de Transporte del Condado de Montgomery el viernes 14 de octubre facilitará la donación de bicicletas usadas y garantizará que tengan un impacto continuo.
MCDOT patrocina la colección de bicicletas para niños y adultos en asociación con Rockville Bike Hub y Bikes for the World de 7:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m. el 14 de octubre. Se recogerán las bicicletas (llueva o truene) afuera del garaje del Edificio del Concejo del Condado en la intersección de las calles East Jefferson y Monroe en Rockville.
“Esta es una excelente manera de ayudar a su comunidad,” dijo Marc Elrich, Ejecutivo del Condado de Montgomery. “Dona las bicicletas que no uses o que se te hayan quedado pequeñas, y posiblemente cambies la calidad de vida de alguien que lo necesite. Las bicicletas son excelentes para la recreación y pueden servir como salvavidas para los residentes y conectarlos con paradas de transporte público o destinos que de otro modo estarían fuera de su alcance.”
Las bicicletas deben estar en buenas condiciones de funcionamiento o que solo necesitan reparaciones menores. Los voluntarios de Rockville Bike Hub restaurarán las bicicletas y el MCDOT las colocará con niños y adultos de bajos ingresos en el condado a través del programa MCDOT Bike Match o a través del programa Terrific Kids de Rocville .
El programa Bike Match de MCDOT comenzó en junio de 2020.
“Hasta la fecha, nuestro programa Bike Match ha recibido casi 600 solicitudes de bicicletas y hemos colocado casi 300 bicicletas donadas,” dijo el Director de MCDOT, Chris Conklin. “Sin embargo, eso todavía deja una necesidad de alrededor de 300 bicicletas solo en ese programa. Esperamos poder recolectar suficientes bicicletas para hacer coincidir una bicicleta con todos los que hayan hecho una solicitud.”
El evento de donación de bicicletas también aceptará donaciones con cheque. Los cheques pueden hacerse a nombre de Rockville Bike Hub y dejarse con el personal en el sitio de donación. Las donaciones son deducibles de impuestos.
Para realzar el tema de la colecta, los miembros de la comunidad pueden organizar una recolección de bicicletas en su escuela, lugar de congregación religiosa o en su vecindario y traer las bicicletas a Rockville el 14 de octubre. Para colectas de 10 o más bicicletas, el MCDOT se encargará de recogerlos en un lugar previamente acordado.
Para obtener más información sobre el evento de donación de bicicletas, visite: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/BikeDrive.html.
Per MCDOT:
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) invites all current, former and potential Ride On bus users to take a Customer Satisfaction Survey, which will be available online through Friday, Oct.7. Those who participate will be entered into a sweepstake for 1 of ten $100 gift cards. The survey is currently available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Simplified Chinese, French, Hindi, Korean, and Vietnamese. MCDOT will also host a community outreach event at Westfield Wheaton Mall, 11160 Veirs Mill Rd, Wheaton, MD 20902 on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 3-6 p.m. Residents are invited to join the MCDOT outreach team to take the Customer Satisfaction Survey and learn more about the Ride On Reimagined study.
The Ride On Reimagined study is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of the bus network that may result in significant recommended changes to how bus transit (including Ride On and Metrobus) operates in Montgomery County based on current and future needs. The related survey is a vital part of the Ride On Reimagined study. It will provide MCDOT with a clearer understanding of bus riders’ needs, impressions and transit experiences. MCDOT wants to learn what is being done well, and what areas need improvement. Feedback from the survey will lead to future investment in the Ride On bus network.
Pop-up events that are postponed as a result of inclement weather will be rescheduled for the next day at the same time and location. Residents can email questions or comments on the Ride On Reimagined study or survey at [email protected].
Fare collection resumed on all Montgomery County Ride On buses on August 1. The one-way pre-pandemic fare, which was $2 per ride, is now $1 for all Ride On buses including the Flash. Monthly passes, which were $45 per rider, are now $22.50.
Passengers are encouraged to wear a mask but are no longer required to wear them. Masks are available on all buses for riders who need them. Bus interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County’s Department of General Services with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filters and ventilation systems are also treated regularly with disinfectant.
For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Per MCDOT:
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) offers residents and school administrators free resources to support children walking and biking to school through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the County will again be participating in Walk to School Day.
Safe Routes To School is a nationally recognized program that aims to significantly improve safety for students who walk and bike to school. In Montgomery County, the SRTS program also combines a safer roads component to slow down drivers and build new pedestrian and bicycle safety treatments such as new crosswalks, and bump-outs at an intersection and add stop or yield signs
“As a former teacher, I understand the importance of and fully support the County’s commitment to ensuring the safety of our students,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As part of our Vision Zero efforts, we will continue to invest in sidewalks, bike paths and public safety staffing surrounding our schools. Our most recent budget reflects the County’s commitment, with the highest amount ever allocated toward making walks to school safer. We want to encourage our students who live close enough to be able to safely walk or bike to school by providing them with the necessary infrastructure and resources to keep them safe.”
MCDOT is completing walkability studies through the pedestrian road safety audit program to review the sidewalk and crosswalk conditions surrounding schools. For each school, these studies identify structural improvements including curb extensions, sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, and the installation of traffic signs and signals.
The accompanying educational effort teaches elementary students how to use new infrastructure and traffic rules. It also encourages walking and biking by raising awareness of health and environmental benefits.
Free event participation and resources include:
- Walk to School Day: This internationally recognized event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The MCDOT outreach team will be at Wheaton Woods Elementary School to promote biking and pedestrian safety and encourages all students who have a safe path and live near their school to walk to school on this date. Find information on setting up a Walk to School Day event at your school here.
- Walking Wednesdays: Every Wednesday during the school year, the SRTS team is available to visit schools and encourage students to walk and bike safely, distribute education materials and safety giveaways. Educators can register their school to participate in a Walking Wednesday event here.
- Bike Rodeos: The in-person bike clinic includes hands-on bike safety instruction, a discussion about the rules of the road and bike safety tips including the proper fitting and importance of wearing a bike helmet. Learn more here.
- Community Events: SRTS outreach efforts include attending school and community events to educate children and families about pedestrian and bike safety. A request for MCDOT to attend an event can be made here.
- Walking School Bus: This parent-organized effort shares responsibilities with other adults to supervise a group of kids walking to and from school. Each “bus” walks along a set route, with one or more adults leading a group of children. A guide with detailed information on how to start a walking school bus is available here.
“This past year, we built nearly six miles of County sidewalks and engaged over 40,000 residents through our pedestrian safety programs,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “We also made pedestrian improvements at several schools in response to walkshed assessments. It is important that our youth learn how to use new infrastructure and best practices for safety at an early age. We hope to encourage the adoption of walking, biking and using transit as primary ways to get around the County and that these choices will continue as our students become young adults. However, some of these students will also become drivers one day, and we hope to influence their behavior by highlighting the need to be careful drivers who recognize their responsibility for the safety of themselves and everyone else using our roads. Safety requires everyone to exercise caution and look out for one another.”
All Safe Routes to School program resources are free and community participation is encouraged. Students, parents and schools are encouraged to start an SRTS program at their schools. Educators can fill out a request form for their school.
For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
Per Montgomery County:
Used bicycles that are no longer being used by some can make a big difference for others. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s annual Bicycle Donation Drive on Friday, Oct. 14, will make it easy to donate previously owned bikes and ensure they will have a continued impact.
MCDOT is sponsoring the collection of child and adult bikes in partnership with Rockville Bike Hub and Bikes for the World. From 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 14, bikes will be collected (rain or shine) outside of the Montgomery County Council Office Building Garage at East Jefferson and Monroe street in Rockville.
Rockville Bike Hub volunteers will refurbish the bikes and MCDOT will place them with low-income children and adults in the County through the MCDOT Bike Match Program or through the Rockville Terrific Kids program.
MCDOT’s Bike Match program started in June 2020. To date, the program has received nearly 600 bike requests and has placed nearly 300 donated bikes. However, that still leaves a need for about 300 bikes in just that program.
The bike donation event also will be accepting donations. Checks can be made out to the Rockville Bike Hub and left with staff at the donation site. Donations may be tax-deductible.
To enhance the theme of the drive, community members can organize a bike collection at their school, place of worship or within their neighborhood and bring the bikes to Rockville on Oct. 14. For drives that collect 10 or more bikes, MCDOT will arrange to pick them up at a prearranged location.
For more information about the bike donation event, visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/BikeDrive.html.
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 30, 2022z
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 24 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, Sept. 11, to improve efficiency. Although service levels are staying relatively the same, the changes reflect a shift in resources to allow for more reliable service. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print.
“Ridership data and on-time performance are monitored regularly, and this service change focuses on raising reliability,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Overall, service levels will remain within one percent of where we were. Most of our over 80 routes will not experience changes.”
Route changes include:
- 21 routes have time changes: 4, 5, 9, 10, 15, 16, 20, 26, 34, 37, 38, 43, 46, 48, 55, 59, 61, 63, 79, 83, and 100.
- Three routes have slight route changes with no bus stop or time changes: 27, 45, 90.
- 11 routes have decreased frequency due to ridership, and seven routes have increased frequency due to ridership.
- 13 routes have time changes, but no changes in frequency.
- Two routes have timing changes for accuracy and frequency: 63, 83.
- Three routes have a change in hours of operation: 4, 59, 79.
Riders can get trip planning information by downloading the free Ride On Real Time app on their mobile phone or by visiting the website here.
Riders using Montgomery County’s Ride On buses are encouraged to wear a mask. However, they are no longer required to wear them. Masks are available on all buses for riders who need them.
Fare collection resumed on all Montgomery County buses on Aug. 1. The one-way pre-pandemic fare, which was $2 per ride, is now $1. Monthly passes, which were $45 per rider, are now $22.50.
Bus interiors will continue to be cleaned by the County’s Department of General Services with hospital-grade disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems are also treated with a disinfectant.
For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagramand subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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