The project provides for the planning of the of 3.5 mile Life Sciences Center Loop Trail, a 8 to12-foot wide shared use path that is a central feature of the Life Sciences Center (LSC) area of the Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan. The Life Sciences Center Loop Trail is a critical staging element to increasing the non-auto driver mode share (NADMS) prior to the expansion of stage 2 of the master plan's development. The shared use path will widen existing sidewalks along certain existing or planned streets in the Life Science Center (Omega Drive, Medical Center Drive, Johns Hopkins Drive, Belward Campus Drive, Decoverly Drive) as well as new roadways through the Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA) property and Crown Farm. The planning and design will create a trail design that is able to respond to varying right-of-way widths and other local conditions while providing a trail system that is recognizable and will attract walkers, runners and bicycle riders and will contribute to the LSC's sense of place. The design will enable both private developers and the county to build their respective pieces of the LSC loop in a consistent manner.

Preliminary design began in FY17 and was completed in FY18. Final design started in FY21 and should be completed in FY22. Land acquisition will start in FY25 and construction in FY26-27.

This project will enhance and improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility, help meet master plan non-auto-driver mode share (NADMS) goals and support the critical staging element to advance to stage 2 of the master plan's development.

The project will help the County achieve its Vision Zero goals to reduce deaths and serious injuries on County Roadways to zero by 2030.

Developer contributions of $11,471,000 are expected to fund land acquisition and construction.

A pedestrian impact analysis has been completed for this project.

Chambers of Commerce, City of Gaithersburg, City of Rockville, Department of General Services, Department of Permitting Services, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Maryland (MDOT) State Highway Administration, MDOT Maryland Transit Administration, Regional Service Centers, Universities at Shady Grove, Urban Districts, Utility Companies, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority