Update on Seven Locks Sidewalk and Bikeway Project December 2007

E-mail Received from Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation

Seven Locks Road Community:

The Seven Locks Road Sidewalk and Bikeway (SLRSB) project was recently presented to the Montgomery County Council's Transportation and Environment Committee (T&E) on September 20, 2007. The T&E Committee recommends that an alternative with the following standard cross-section be incorporated and additional matters be examined during the preliminary design phase (Phase II Facility Planning):

* Two 11-foot wide travel lanes plus 5-foot wide bike lanes along both sides of Seven Locks Road. Any additional shoulder width will be considered only: (1) to provide parking for residents on Seven Locks Road, on a case by case basis; and (2) for bus pull-outs at the highest demand stops, such as Tuckerman Lane ad Scotland Drive;
* An 8-foot off-road shared use path along the west side of Seven Locks Road;
* A 5-foot wide sidewalk along the east side of Seven Locks Road;
* An 8-foot off-road shared use path along Montrose Road between Seven Locks Road and I-270 ramp;
* Northbound and eastbound auxiliary through lanes at the intersection of Tuckerman Lane/Seven Locks Road as described in the Potomac Subregion Master Plan;
* Parking needs assessment for the AME Zion Church and;
* Customize design to address the community desire to minimize impacts while still achieving the goals of the project.

The Committee also agrees with the comments as recommended by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s (MNCPPC) Planning Board.

During preliminary engineering a formal field survey will be performed where horizontal & vertical alignments will be established. Right-of-way, drainage, noise, environmental impacts will become more detailed. A construction sequence of activities will be prepared along with a detailed scope, schedule, 35% design plans and cost estimate. At the conclusion of Phase II, the Director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT), elected officials and the public can weigh in on the cost/benefits of the project and the County Council will determine whether or not the project should be fully funded for 100% design and construction.

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce the Phase II project manager for the Seven Locks Road Sidewalk and Bikeway (SLRSB), Bob Gonzales. Bob’s contact information is:

Mr. Bob Gonzales, P.E.
Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT)
Division of Capital Development
101 Monroe Street, 9th Floor
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Phone: 240-777-7296
Fax: 240-777-7277
robert.gonzales@montgomerycountymd.gov

The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) is eager to work together with the community as the Seven Locks Road Sidewalk and Bikeway (SLRSB) advances to preliminary engineering. Please feel free to contact Bob or me should you have additional concerns.

Aruna Miller
Facility Planning Manager
DPWT's Division of Capital Development
101 Monroe Street, 9th Floor
Rockville, MD 20850
PHONE: 240-777-7194
FAX: 240-777-7277
e-mail: aruna.miller@montgomerycountymd.gov
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/capitalprojects