The project provides for design of life safety code requirements, construction bid preparation documents and construction for the pedestrian and bicycle tunnel beneath Wisconsin Avenue (MD 355) and Elm Street. The tunnel provides a connection from the Capital Crescent Trail at Elm Street Park to the Bethesda Purple Line Station.

The bid document preparation, utility relocation and construction will be beyond six years.

This tunnel will provide for a grade separated crossing of MD 355 and will serve pedestrians, bicyclists, joggers, and skaters, and will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Bethesda CBD Sector Plan, and the Purple Line Functional Master Plan. The project will help the County achieve its Vision Zero goals to reduce deaths and serious injuries on County roadways to zero.

Construction and life/safety design costs were previously included in the Capital Crescent Trail project (CIP #501316) and have been relocated to this project. Costs associated with construction of the tunnel have been adjusted for inflation to beyond six years.

A pedestrian impact analysis has been completed for this project.

Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Bethesda Bikeway and Pedestrian Facilities, Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail, CSX Transportation, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority