By Geoff Gerhardt

In a significant development for Montgomery Hills and its surrounding neighborhoods, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) successfully secured $8.1 million in additional funding for the Montgomery Hills Reconstruction project. This funding adjustment increases the programmed amount for the project to $30.1 million, up from $22 million; thanks to cost optimizations, the total project cost was reduced to $52.7 million, down from $57.1 million.

While this funding is not sufficient to complete construction of the Georgia Avenue Safety and Accessibility Project improvements, our sources tell us it should be sufficient to fund the work planned for the next couple of years—obtaining right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocation. We are hoping that MDOT’s push for this funding also demonstrates its commitment to the project once there is a need to allocate additional construction funds to finish the project.

The Montgomery Hills project is a reconstruction effort aimed at enhancing safety, reducing congestion caused by the Beltway interchanges, and improving the overall usability and aesthetic appeal of this heavily traveled corridor:

• Upgraded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
• Enhanced traffic flow through intersection and Beltway interchange redesigns
• Relocated utility obstructions and improved stormwater management systems

Special thanks go to the Maryland District 18 and District 20 Delegations for their unwavering support in securing this funding. In particular, Delegate Jared Solomon’s tireless advocacy and persistent efforts were instrumental in ensuring the availability of these critical resources. Their dedication to the community and commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure have made this progress possible. With the support of residents of North Woodside, neighborhood organizations will continue working with policymakers and MDOT officials to secure the remainder of the funding needed for this vital project.

For more information see Friends of Montgomery Hills.