City Manager: Modifying Existing Lanes Could Be Considered
The City of Rockville remains opposed to the taking of residences, businesses or city infrastructure as part of the state’s I-495 & I-270 Public-Private Partnership Program, City Manager Rob DiSpirito said in an Aug. 23 letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation.
“In a worst-case scenario, hundreds of homes and many businesses could be taken, causing major financial and environmental damage to property owners and the city,” DiSpirito wrote.
DiSpirito’s letter follows a May 14 letter from the Mayor and Council, which expressed opposition to alternatives that would widen, or add lanes to, the interstates.
“As stated in our prior letter, the City still supports transit as a means of addressing traffic congestion,” he wrote. “The City of Rockville is also open to considering highway alternatives such as modified, reversible or contraflow lanes and/or reconfiguring the local lanes as long as these lanes would be completely within the current I-270 right of way.”
However, he wrote, “we strongly oppose any alternatives that would result in the taking of residences, businesses or city infrastructure. Additionally, we oppose any multi-parcel taking, elimination of sound walls, or any potential loss of City property to add lanes or widen I-270 in either direction through Rockville.”
A managed lane study, the program’s first phase, is reviewing existing and future traffic, and roadway and environmental conditions, to identify alternatives and assess their potential impacts.
City staff evaluated the potential alternatives and the state recently held several public workshops, including one for Regent’s Square, a Rockville condominium community that is part of one of 10 Rockville neighborhoods that abut Interstate 270.
“Many Rockville communities are concerned about this project, and we appreciate your efforts to engage us throughout the project,” DiSpirito wrote.
The city is continuing to actively engage with the state. Community members can learn more and comment on the project at https://495-270-p3.com/contact.
