This project proposes a comprehensive suite of investments that facilitate safer, more direct access to Metrorail and other local destinations. The keystone of this project is a new entrance to the North Bethesda Metro Station, which will improve travel time and safety for station users. A new transit plaza will safely and directly connect the station to two future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines. This project provides for the County's contribution to the north entrance to the North Bethesda Metro Station. Access is currently limited to the southern end of the platform. Metro conducted a feasibility study of providing additional access at the northern end of the platform in 2019 and has further advanced that concept. Construction of northern access to the station will reduce walk times to the Metro platform. The scope, schedule, and budget will be revised as WMATA progresses the project with its development partner.

In FY24, WMATA sought a development partner and issued a request for proposals. WMATA selected a development partner in FY25 and plans to initiate design in FY26, to commence construction in FY28.

Cost increase due to the addition of Federal and State grants.

This project is needed to improve connectivity, mobility and safety for all facility users within the project area by reducing walking distances and times to the Metro station platforms.

It is expected that the current total cost estimate of $46.8 million, developed by WMATA in 2024, will be revised as the project design develops.

Funding reflected in this project is based on grants received to date and allocations by the County. Additional funding sources and contributions, including contributions from the developer, will be sought to fully fund the project as the estimate is updated. State aid represents the following: $2.6 million awarded during the 2023 General Assembly Session (originally awarded to WMATA but subsequently changed to the County as the recipient); $3M awarded during the 2024 General Assembly session (originally awarded to WMATA but subsequently changed to the County as the recipient); $600,000 awarded during the 2025 General Assembly session; $1.905 million awarded during the 2023 General Assembly session (awarded as part of a $6 million grant and originally included in the North Bethesda Redevelopment Infrastructure project (CIP 502315) but shifted into this project in FY27); and $250,000 from an FY25 MDOT Transit Oriented Development (TOD) grant. Federal aid represents the following: $5 million Federal earmark awarded to the County in the 2024 Federal Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriation bill; and a $24.8 million BUILD grant awarded in FY25. Matching funds for certain grants are required as follows: 20% for the $5 million federal earmark which is covered by GO Bonds in this project; 20 percent for the $24.8 million BUILD grant which is covered partially by GO Bonds in this project as well as other sources/projects, and 10 percent for the $250,000 MDOT TOD grant which is covered by GO Bonds in this project.

A pedestrian impact analysis will be performed during design or is in progress. The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Maryland State Highway Administration, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and utility companies