anchor Description
This project provides for design, engineering plans, and construction for three new roads, one new bridge and master planned bikeways in the White Flint District East area as follows: 1. Executive Boulevard Extended East (B-7)-Rockville Pike/MD 355 to a New Private Street - construct 1,100 feet of four-lane roadway. 2. Executive Boulevard Extended East (B-7)-New Private Street to new Nebel Street Extended - construct 600 feet of four-lane roadway. 3. Nebel Street (B-5)-Nicholson Lane South to a Combined Property site - construct 1,200 feet of four-lane roadway. 4. Bridge across Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) tracks adjacent to White Flint Metro Station - on future McGrath Boulevard between MD 355 and future Station Street - construct 80-foot-long three-lane bridge. Bikeway design and construction will be consistent with adopted master plan staging requirements. Various improvements to the roads will include new traffic lanes, shared-use paths, the undergrounding of overhead utility lines where required, other utility relocations, and streetscaping. These projects will become stand-alone projects once engineering is complete and final construction costs can be accurately determined. This project also assumes the developers will dedicate the land needed for these sub-projects in a timely manner.
anchorEstimated Schedule
Most design and all construction costs have been delayed to beyond the six-year period due to affordability and other factors. Design of all road projects began in FY12 and have been delayed due to coordination with stakeholders. Construction of Executive Boulevard Extended East from Rockville Pike/MD 355 to a New Private Street was delayed due to tax district affordability challenges. Design of Executive Boulevard East Extended was delayed due to coordination between the stakeholders over the road alignment. Design for the bridge across the WMATA tracks adjacent to the North Bethesda (White Flint) Metro Station has been delayed due to negotiations between WMATA, State Highway Administration (SHA), the County, and the developers. Bridge design will begin after a Memorandum of Understanding among the parties has been finalized.
anchor Justification
The vision for the White Flint District is for a more urban core with a walkable street grid, sidewalks, bikeways, trails, paths, public use space, parks and recreational facilities, mixed-use development, and enhanced streetscape to improve the areas for pedestrian circulation and transit-oriented development around the Metro station. These road improvements, along with other District roads proposed to be constructed by developers will fulfill the strategic program plan for a more effective and efficient transportation system. The proposed improvements are in conformance with the White Flint Sector Plan Resolution 16-1300 adopted March 23, 2010.
anchorFiscal Note
Funding Sources: The ultimate funding source for these projects will be White Flint Development District tax revenues and related special obligation bond issues. Debt service on the special obligation bond issues will be paid solely from White Flint Special Taxing District revenues. Cost Estimation: Construction cost estimates are based on concepts, projected from unit length costs of similar prior projects and are not based on quantity estimates or engineering designs. Final construction costs will be determined after the preliminary engineering (35 percent) phase. Cost for the bridge is still unknown since engineering plans are not developed. The County is working with District stakeholders to finalize a long-term financing plan for the District's costs.
anchorDisclosures
A pedestrian impact analysis has been completed for this project.
anchorCoordination
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, White Flint Sector Plan, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Maryland State Highway Administration, Federal Agencies including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Developers, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Permitting Services