anchor Description
This project will design and construct a new bus rapid transit (BRT) line on MD between Rockville and Germantown. The project includes dedicated BRT lanes, new BRT stations with level boarding and off-board payment, Transit Signal Priority (TSP), purchase of new zero-emission BRT buses, and other associated pedestrian and bicycle improvements along the corridor. In addition, the project includes the planning and design of a new transit center near the Montgomery College Rockville Campus and a relocated and expanded Lakeforest Transit Center to support the project. Planning conducted by the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) resulted in several alternatives retained for detailed study in for BRT along MD from Bethesda to Clarksburg. Final design and construction of the North and South segments will occur as a separate project.
anchorEstimated Schedule
Project planning was completed in Preliminary engineering of the busway began in and will be completed in Environmental documentation for the purposes of submitting for federal funding is underway and should also be complete in Final design will be procured in and is estimated to last approximately two years. Construction activities, including right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations, may begin as early as Construction of the BRT is estimated to be completed in
anchor Justification
MD Flash will transform mobility options with the implementation of a premium, branded, limited-stop BRT service along MD between Clarksburg and Bethesda. This new service will improve transit travel time and increase opportunity for a broad range of users along a highly congested corridor. MD Flash will improve passenger transit mobility by connecting riders to high density housing and employment centers. MD Flash is being phased to accelerate delivery. This phase will implement BRT between Rockville and Germantown. Extensions to Bethesda and Clarksburg will follow. A new transit center near the Montgomery College Rockville Campus will provide increased space to accommodate both the MD BRT and Veirs Mill Road BRT operations as well as improve overall transit access and operations at this location. The Lakeforest Transit Center is currently undersized for existing operations. Relocation of the transit center closer to MD will allow the critical connection between MD BRT and the numerous local bus routes that stop there, while reducing the diversion for MD BRT and saving passengers travel time. Redevelopment of the former Lakeforest Mall creates an opportunity for joint development considerations that should be explored in the near-term.
anchorFiscal Note
The County intends to secure federal funding for this project through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) New Starts program. Programming of funds through final design and construction improves the project's eligibility for earlier entry into New Starts. This project will utilize Op Lanes Maryland revenue proceeds, which have been pledged by the Maryland Department of Transportation to fund high priority public transit projects in Montgomery County. The amended CIP added M in State grants. Additional State aid in includes State grants for capital projects in Montgomery County programmed and/or preauthorized during the and Maryland General Assembly sessions, including in the session specifically identified to support planning and design of a new transit center near Montgomery College in Rockville. Op Lanes Maryland funding was deferred in to allow the new State administration time to move the project forward. funding switch from Recordation Tax Premium to Impact Tax to reflect prior year actuals and other adjustments.
anchorDisclosures
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.
anchorCoordination
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration & Maryland Transit Administration, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Permitting Services, Washington Gas, Pepco, Verizon, Comcast, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Federal Transit Administration, City of Gaithersburg, City of Rockville, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Commission on People with Disabilities, Transit Advisory Group, Neighborhood and Civic Associations, MD BRT Corridor Advisory Committee.