MDOT Workshop on Beltway Sprawl Plan - July 24

As you may be aware, Governor Hogan has proposed adding toll lanes to I-270 and I-495 to "reduce congestion." Aside from the fact that widening roads doesn't decrease traffic, this multi-billion dollar outlay would be better directed to improving service in existing high capacity networks such as MARC train, Metro rail and bus, and regional bus. Let's make existing things better and more useful before building new things (especially new things that don't work, like new lanes on highways).

MDOT is hosting a series of workshops that is one of the first opportunities for the public to weigh in. From https://495-270-p3.com/your-participation/upcoming-events/ -

MDOT SHA is hosting a series of public workshops in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to present:

• Study status and schedule;
• Purpose and Need summary;
• Preliminary Range of Alternatives developed from the scoping process; and
• Screening Criteria to evaluate the alternatives

The meeting formats will include static board displays, scheduled general presentations, and small working group tables. The general presentations will occur at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and last approximately 30 minutes. The boards and small working group tables will be available throughout the meeting with technical staff available for discussion of comments and questions. Alternative descriptions and simple graphics featuring typical details of the potential improvements will be presented. Environmental and property information will not be available at this stage of the study.  A virtual workshop will also be available on the program website 495-270-p3.com starting July 17, 2018.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Central High School
200 Cabin Branch Road
Capitol Heights, MD 20743