Photo from onejourneyatatime.com
Residents concerned with the potential widening of the Beltway through Silver Spring can express their views during four public open houses this month, according the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration.
The open houses are the first chance for public comments on a traffic relief plan, part of an I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Study intended to find ways to reduce congestion on the two highways.
“Understanding the local perspective will help us determine the best plan to reduce traffic congestion, increase economic development, enhance safety and return quality of life to Maryland commuters in this area,” said Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn in a press release.
MDOT SHA, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the study “to identify innovative transportation solutions to reduce congestion,” according to the announcement. The FHA issued the Notice of Intent on March 16.
The study will include a review of existing and future traffic, existing roadway infrastructure, and environmental conditions to identify alternatives and assess potential impacts.
The state is looking for “public input regarding the scope of the study, including the purpose and need, potential alternatives to be considered, and environmental impacts to be evaluated.”
The most convenient open house for local residents will be held on Thursday, April 19, 6:30 -8:30 p.m., at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, 4301 East West Highway.
Other open houses are scheduled as follows:
Tuesday, April 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Henry Wise Jr. High School
12650 Brook Lane
Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772
Wednesday, April 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m
- Clarksburg High School
22500 Wims Rd.
Clarksburg, Md. 20871
Tuesday, April 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Eleanor Roosevelt High School
7601 Hanover Parkway
Greenbelt, Md. 20770
The public can also comment online at the study’s website, via email or by mail to:
I-495 and I-270 P3 Project Office
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration
707 N. Calvert St. Mail Stop P-601
Baltimore, Md. 21202