State Holding Workshops on Reducing I-270 Congestion

Commuters and other motorists will get a chance to voice its opinions at a series of workshops focused on reducing congestion on Interstate 270 between I-370 in Gaithersburg and I-70 in Frederick.

Multiple studies over the last decade have shown that the National Capital Region is one of the most congested in the nation, and Marylanders face the second highest commuting times in the country. On average, I-270 is congested seven hours each day.

The SHA and the Federal Highway Administration are evaluating potential solutions as part of Gov. Larry Hogan’s I-495 and I-270 Traffic Relief Plan. The process will begin with early planning activities before an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. The initial pre-NEPA activities include the workshops, as well as a review of existing and future traffic, and roadway and environmental conditions.

The pre-NEPA workshops will provide an overview of the pre-NEPA activities and the NEPA process, discuss the transportation needs of the corridor, and identify potential solutions and existing environmental conditions. The workshops will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations in Frederick and Montgomery counties:

• Tuesday, Nov. 12 — Clarksburg High School, 22500 Wims Road.
• Wednesday, Nov. 13 — Lincoln Recreation Center, Lincoln Elementary School, 200 Madison St., Frederick.
• Wednesday, Nov. 20 — Urbana Fire Department Banquet Hall, 3602 Urbana Pike, Frederick.
• Thursday, Nov. 21 — Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg.

The workshop materials will include informational displays and handouts. Staff will be available to answer questions, and there will be a brief presentation at 7 p.m. at each workshop. The presentation will also be available online at 495-270-P3.com. Comments can be submitted online at the same web address, by emailing 270-study-P3@mdot.maryland.gov, or verbally or in writing at the meeting. They can be also be mailed to:

I-495 and I-270 P3 Office
Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration
707 North Calvert St., Mail Stop P-601
Baltimore MD 21202

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE: The Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1.  Persons requiring assistance to participate, such as an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, should contact the project toll-free number at 833-858-5960 by November 1, 2019.  For more information, please visit 495-270-p3.com.

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