The State Highway Administration conducted a well-attended public open house this past Wednesday, July 31st, for Montgomery Hills area neighbors and businesses. The status of two projects were presented to attendees – the Georgia Avenue Safety and Accessibility Project, and the adjoining 16th Street pedestrian and bicycle improvement project. Attendees were invited to review the design details for both projects, and were able to view maps and displays showcasing the proposed improvements, as well as ask questions of and provide feedback to, the SHA project teams.
FOMH Board Members Jill Pitner and Geoff Gerhardt attended, to continue advocacy for the project as part of our mission to improve the beautification, placemaking, and safety of the “Gateway to Silver Spring” – the Montgomery Hills corridor.
This project still requires strong advocacy from local residents and businesses. While the design phase is fully funded, and the SHA has already begun right of way acquisition, utility coordination, and storm drain inspections, FOMH has learned that there currently is no funding for the construction phase of the project due to state government capital project shortfalls. During the SHA’s walkthrough of the project with FOMH in February, 2024, however, SHA Administrator Pines committed to finding the funding for the project, declaring he believed it would be transformative for the corridor and could highlight how we can design and build safe and complete streets for all.
FOMH will continue to push for funding to ensure that once SHA projects move forward again, they keep this project prioritized.