Montgomery County Kicks Off Spring Paving and Infrastructure Maintenance Season
MCDOT has begun its 2026 spring paving and infrastructure maintenance season. MCDOT crews will begin repair work on the County’s 5,400 miles of roads and 1,700 miles of sidewalk to ensure travel surfaces are safe, accessible, and well-maintained.
MCDOT expects to complete 34 roadway maintenance projects and 17 sidewalk repair projects this spring. A preliminary list of road resurfacing projects and sidewalk repair projects are available online. Both sites will be updated throughout paving season as projects are added to the schedule.
During road resurfacing and sidewalk repairs, MCDOT crews will inspect curb ramps and, if necessary, make upgrades to ensure pedestrian rights-of-way are fully accessible and compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
MCDOT completed its inspection of the more than 1,100 miles of County-maintained primary roads in early March. A survey of the County’s 4,300 miles of residential roads was completed in 2025. MCDOT crews did additional road condition assessments and repairs during its February pothole blitz.
During the road inspection process, MCDOT deploys trucks equipped with cameras to assess street surfaces and report cracks, potholes, and other road damage. Roads are rated by their degree of severity.
MCDOT has already begun resurfacing and pavement patching for several residential road projects identified as needing repair.
Click on one of the links below to request repair, or upgrades:
MCDOT Announces Winners of ‘Heads Up, Phones Down’ Teen Video Contest
MCDOT announced the winners of its 2026 “Heads Up, Phones Down” teen video contest, an annual competition that empowers high school students to promote safer, distraction-free travel. This year’s contest drew nearly 100 creative entries from public and private school students across the County, all aimed at encouraging peers to stay focused and put their phones away while driving or walking.
The MCDOT Pedestrian Safety team visited the schools of the grand prize winners in March, to surprise the creators of the top entries with prizes, balloons, and fanfare.
Below are the contest winners, with links to their winning videos:
Individual Winners
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Grand Prize: Julian Szell, John F. Kennedy High School. ‘It Can Wait.’
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First Runner Up: Tatiana Delgado, Einstein High School. ‘It Can Wait.’
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Second Runner Up: Ethan Anyam, Springbrook High School. ‘One Scroll.'
Group Winners
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Grand Prize: Nubia Abatemam, Grace Mbonguy, Namibia Mustapha, and Grace Tawes, Richard Montgomery High School. ‘The Choice is Yours.’
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First Runner Up: Ved Bhise and Andrew Kuan, Richard Montgomery High School. ‘Blindfold.’
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Second Runner Up: Ruth Gelaye and Anna Jhon, Walter Johnson High School. ‘Don’t Become a Statistic.’
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Montgomery County Will Celebrate April as ‘Earth Month’ With Environmentally Friendly Activities
Montgomery County will celebrate April as “Earth Month” with special events promoting sustainability, conservation, and eco-friendliness. Highlights include the GreenFest event in Germantown at the BlackRock Center for the Arts, social media campaigns, and park clean-ups.
The international theme for Earth Month and Earth Day—April 22—is “Invest in Our Planet.” The theme focuses on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and people to take action to care for the planet.
There is no better time to try environmentally friendly public transportation. Ride On bus fares are zero fare for all riders. MCDOT is also continuing local programs that provide free rides to seniors, people with disabilities, and county youth on most Metrobuses within the County. Visit the MCDOT website for bus schedules and trip planning information.
Residents can also join MCDOT's Adopt A Road program to help keep roadways litter-free. To learn more and to volunteer, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/adoptaroad.
MCDOT Celebrates National Arbor Day on Friday, April 24
National Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April. Much like Earth Day, it is a holiday that celebrates nature and encourages people to plant trees.
In honor of Arbor Day, MCDOT’s Tree Maintenance Section arborists have been hard at work strengthening the county’s tree canopy through maintenance and new plantings.
MCDOT is on track to plant over 2,000 new street trees by the end of June in support of Montgomery County’s vision of a greener, healthier community. Street trees shade streets, sidewalks, and homes; filter pollutants from the air; reduce heat stress; provide stormwater control; and improve mental well-being. Residents can request a street tree by calling MC311 at 311 or 240-777-0311 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. or by submitting a request online.
This spring, MCDOT Tree Maintenance and Montgomery Parks Urban Forestry co‑hosted the first-ever Montgomery County Tree Program Roundtable. The event brought together staff from MCDOT, Montgomery Parks, Montgomery Planning, the Department of Permitting Services, the Department of Environmental Protection, and Montgomery County Public Schools to improve interdepartmental communication, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration on countywide tree initiatives.
MCDOT arborists will host a booth at this year’s GreenFest at BlackRock Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 25, where staff will distribute free tree seedlings and share guidance on species selection, planting, and ongoing care.
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Save the Date for ‘Bike to Work Day’ on Friday, May 15 Throughout the DC Region
Montgomery County residents are encouraged to participate in the regional Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15, and online registration is now open.
The event is held annually nationwide to celebrate bicycling as a fun, healthy, and climate-friendly way to travel. The first 18,000 bicyclists to register and participate will get a free t-shirt and will be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a new bike.
Pit stops are free and typically provide refreshments, music, and local vendor displays. There will be free raffle prizes and a grand-prize raffle for a new bike at each of the MCDOT-sponsored pit stops below:
Additional pit stops within Montgomery County will include:
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FDA White Oak, Silver Spring. 7-9 a.m.
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Kensington, Clum Kennedy Park, Kensington, 7-9 a.m.
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Gaithersburg-Kentlands, Gaithersburg. 7-9 a.m.
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Gaithersburg Olde Towne Plaza, Gaithersburg. 4-6 p.m.
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National Institutes of Health, Bethesda. 7-9:30 a.m.
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Rockville at Twinbrook, Rockville. 7-9 a.m.
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Downtown/Old Takoma, Takoma Park. 6:30-9 a.m.
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Sligo Creek Trail, Takoma Park. 7-9:30 a.m.
Additional pit stops will be located throughout the Washington region. Learn more at biketoworkmetrodc.org.
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Montgomery County Offering Adult Bike Classes in April, May, and June
MCDOT will offer low-cost adult bike classes in April, May, and June.
Advance registration is required to participate, with a cost of $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) or Capital Bikeshare for All members; however, registration is still required.
Participants in the Learn to Ride bicycle classes will learn how to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal, and steer a bike. Each student will progress at their own pace. Students in the Basic Skills class should be able to ride a bicycle and will continue to practice basic biking skills. The classes will be led by experienced WABA instructors.
Bike classes are open to residents 18 and over, are limited to 25 people, and fill up quickly. Classes are sold out through May 9. Online registration for May classes is open. June classes will open at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 1.
Adult Learn to Ride Bike class schedule:
- Saturday, May 16 - 10 a.m.-1 p.m. White Oak Community Recreation Center, White Oak.
- Sunday, May 17 - 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Farm Women’s Market, Parking Market Lot 24, Bethesda.
- Saturday, May 23 - 10 a.m.-1 pm. Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), Bethesda.
- Sunday, May 31 - 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, Burtonsville.
- Saturday, June 6 - 9 a.m.-noon. Wheaton Ice Arena (back parking lot), Wheaton.
- Sunday, June 7 - 9 a.m.-noon. Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), Bethesda. *Free scooter class to follow.
- Sunday, June 14 - 9 a.m.-noon. Farm Women’s Market, Parking Market Lot 24, Bethesda.
Adult Basic Skills Bike class schedule:
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Save the Date for MCDOT's Community Safety Day Event to Be Held on Saturday, May 9
MCDOT will host a free, family-friendly, student-led “Community Safety Day” event on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Carver Educational Services Center parking lot located at 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.
The event is accessible by public transit and offers plenty of free parking on site. Free shuttle transportation will also be offered to attendees from various locations across the county.
The fair will highlight pedestrian safety with interactive and educational experiences, including safety demonstrations, workshops, games, raffles, a traffic garden, and hands-on activities for all ages. Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery County Recreation are co-sponsoring the event with MCDOT.
Safety Day is being organized by local high school students participating in the County’s Vision Zero Youth Ambassador program.
Save the Date: MCDOT’s Free ‘Truck Day’ Event Will be Held on Saturday, May 16 in Rockville; Public Vote for Middle School Paint the Plow Contest
The free, family-friendly MCDOT Truck Day event runs from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at MCDOT’s Depot and Salt Barn located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. The celebration kicks off National Public Works Week, celebrating the County’s essential employees.
Truck Day will offer a hands-on experience with about a dozen MCDOT vehicles, including a bucket truck, a tractor, a semi-truck, and a bus. The event will also feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, with the chance to meet the essential workers who operate them. MCDOT Highway Services employees will be available to answer questions and share how their vehicles work and the role they serve.
As part of the event, MCDOT will showcase entries in the 5th annual "Paint the Plow" plow naming contest. Montgomery County public middle schools participated in a competition to name and decorate a snowplow. Attendees at Truck Day will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite snowplow name and design. First, second, and third-place winners will receive cash prizes for their schools. The popular snowplows will be deployed across the region during winter snowstorms.
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Safe Travel Options Available on Cinco de Mayo Tuesday, May 5
Residents are urged to make plans before heading out to celebrate and to consider the use of one of the following safe ride options:
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SoberRide is a free ride home program for adults offered through the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) in partnership with Lyft. The WRAP’s SoberRide® program will post a code at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 for $15 off a Lyft ride. The code can be used once, beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) until 4 a.m., Wednesday, May 6. Participants must be 21+.
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MCDOT’s Ride On bus service is zero fare for everyone. There are currently over 80 daily routes throughout the County. Download MCDOT's free regional public transit app, Ride On Trip Planner, to plan your next trip.
- Learn about year-round safe ride options on the Montgomery County Vision Zero safe ride home webpage.
RIDE ON UPDATES
Medical Center Metro Station Begins Temporary Bus Bay Changes for Bus Shelter Upgrades
Due to bus shelter replacement work, there are temporary bus bay changes at the Medical Center Metro Station from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 17.
The following bus bay changes will impact the following Ride On bus routes:
- Bay C: Bus routes 30, 33 & 70 will move to Bay B.
- Bay D: Bus routes 34 & 46 will move to Bay F.
Note: Signs will be posted to clearly indicate the temporary bay locations
Closure of Medical Center Metro Station Bus Loop in Bethesda to Impact Ride On Bus Routes 34 and 46 on Sunday, May 3
Due to ongoing Metrorail construction, the bus loop at the Medical Center Metro Station will close one final time this spring, on Sunday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
During the closure, Bus Routes 34 to Wheaton and 46 to Montgomery College Rockville will be reassigned to use Bus Bay H (stop #25504). Bus Routes 34 to Bethesda and 46 to Medical Center will be reassigned to use Bus Bay G (stop #25646).
Other Ride On routes that typically use the loop on weekdays are not affected, as they do not operate on Sundays.
For real-time bus arrival and departure information, download the Ride On Trip Planner app from the Apple Store or Google Play to plan your rides, or use the online trip planner website from your desktop/laptop browser.
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON PROPOSED MCDOT PROJECTS
Written testimony carries the same weight as oral testimony. All information provided will become a matter of public record.
Improving Walkability Within Glen Haven Elementary School and Sligo Middle School Walkshed
The MCDOT Safe Routes to School team conducted safety assessments of the walksheds at Glen Haven Elementary School and Sligo Middle School. This assessment, referred to as a walkability study, reviewed the condition of existing infrastructure and developed improvements that may be implemented within school walksheds to provide safe, accessible routes for students walking and biking to and from school.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback by email to walkyourway@montgomerycountymd.gov or by phone at 240-777-2170 by 5 p.m., Friday, May 15.
Proposed Traffic Safety Improvements Along Hines Road in Olney
MCDOT is proposing safety improvements along a 1.3-mile stretch of Hines Road between Georgia Avenue (MD 97) and Cashell Road in Olney.
Following a review of the crash history, traffic speeds, and traffic volumes along Hines Road, MCDOT has identified several improvements intended to enhance safety for all roadway users. The proposed improvements include new crosswalks and ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, pedestrian refuge islands and concrete medians, pavement markings, and dynamic speed signs (DSS) for traffic calming. These improvements support the County’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating serious and fatal crashes by 2030.
The public is encouraged to visit the project website and provide feedback by email to hinesroad@montgomerycountymd.gov by 5 p.m., Friday, May 15.
PARTNERS NEWS
What Riders Need to Know About Metrorail Red Line Service Changes This Spring and Summer
WMATA has announced several Metrorail and Metrobus adjustments to support essential maintenance and repair for major Red Line construction later this year.
- Grosvenor–Strathmore Metro Station Platform Work (now through Tuesday, Sept. 8). Part of the platform's north end is closed.
- Full station closure: Monday, July 6 – Monday, Sept. 7
- No Red Line service between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights metro stations during the closure
- Major Red Line Shutdown (Monday, July 6 through Monday, Sept. 7). Red Line service will be suspended between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights metro stations. Grosvenor–Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda metro stations will be closed.
- There will be a local Shuttle stopping at each metro station in the work zone
- Express Shuttle runs directly between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights metro stations.
- Metrorail service will operate in two segments:
- Shady Grove → North Bethesda
- Friendship Heights → Glenmont
For the latest information, visit WMATA’s Planned Track Work webpage at wmata.com/service/track-work.cfm.
Metro General Manager Proposes Revised FY2027 Budget Reflecting Updated Mid-Year Financials and Regional Economic Growth Trends
Metro’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer proposed revisions to the FY2027 Budget originally presented during the WMATA Board of Directors meeting in December 2025.
New Pilot Program Reminds Metro Customers to Offer Priority Seating to Those in Need
Priority seating is intended for people with disabilities, people who use mobility devices, older adults, pregnant people, and others with not-always-visible disabilities. Priority seats are next to the center doors of each railcar. The floor decals will remind customers to look up and proactively offer the seat to fellow passengers who may need it more.
Metro’s upcoming fleet of 8000-series railcars will also include more accessibility features, including a dedicated spot for people using wheelchairs.
State Designates Rockville Metro Station as Transit-Oriented Development
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has designated the Rockville Metro station area as a transit-oriented development site, supporting future growth, housing and economic activity.
The designation recognizes the area as a key hub for compact, mixed-use development centered on transit. It remains in effect for 10 years and allows access to state funding.
IN THE NEWS
Just 7 Ways Bike Lanes Make Life Better for Drivers, Too
Research published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management found that the introduction of Washington, DC’s Capital Bikeshare system reduced neighborhood traffic congestion by as much as 4 percent. Even modest shifts away from car trips can make a noticeable difference in crowded city networks.
Read the Momentum Mag article.
US Transit Fleets Have Bought Over 8,000 Zero-Emission Buses
While battery-powered buses remain dominant in the field, more transit authorities are also buying fuel cell electric buses, which surged 49 percent nationwide during the reporting period.
Read the Planetizen article.
For information on MCDOT programs and services, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and subscribe to receive the latest MCDOT news by phone or email.
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