Our friends over at Greater Greater Washington, always offering insights on the DC area’s transportation and infrastructure, have reported that Montgomery County Council yesterday voted on a policy for widening 270. The Council approved the construction of two reversible High-Occupancy Toll lanes from Shady Grove north to Frederick County. Carpools and buses would drive for free. Though much of yesterday’s hearing focused on issues in northern Montgomery County, many DC and Bethesda workers live in the outlying areas north of Bethesda.
Bethesda, and the DC area overall, continues to have a transportation problem, be it the congestion, lack of necessary infrastructure and, despite Metro’s assertions to the contrary, poor public transportation. The transportation issue was one of McDonnell’s platform issues in his win over Creigh Deeds for Virginia Governor. These problems were highlighted in last week’s 2 day traffic light debacle that double or tripled people’s work commutes.
Also discussed at the Council hearing was the ongoing debate between Montgomery County Light Rail or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This same debate continues for the Purple Line or BRT. The Council will vote on the I-270 widening next week, but given Maryland’s fiscal problems, don’t expect too much movement on these projects in the near term, regardless of what plan is ultimately approved.
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