anchor Description
This project will design and implement a dedicated lane for Bus Rapid Transit in the median of US 29 between Tech Road and Sligo Creek Parkway to improve travel time and service reliability. The project will also include an additional lane on the ramp from southbound US 29 to westbound I-495.
anchorEstimated Schedule
Preliminary engineering will begin in FY23 and will be completed in FY24.
anchorCost Change
Cost decrease reflects Council amendment to fund only preliminary engineering during the FY23-24 CIP cycle.
anchor Justification
This project will complement the investment in US 29 Flash and improve transit travel time, reliability, performance, and person throughput from MD 198 to the Silver Spring Transit Center. These efforts will support master plan non-auto-driver mode share (NADMS) goals. The project supports the following countywide vision goals: Easier Commutes and a Growing Economy. Approved land use plans in the corridor recommend the implementation of transit lanes along with US 29 Flash. The project is consistent with the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan.
anchorFiscal Note
State aid reflects State grants for capital projects in Montgomery County programmed or preauthorized during the 2022 State General Assembly Session. FY24 State Aid of $3,500,000 was preauthorized in 2022. FY23 supplemental in Impact Tax for the amount of $4,500,000 and State Aid for the amount of $5,000,000 to advance the project to preliminary engineering.
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 Department of Transportation, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission