Letter to the State Details Pollution and Traffic Concerns
The Mayor and Council in May sent a letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation expressing opposition to any widening or addition of lanes to Interstate 270 in Rockville as part of the state’s I-495 & I-270 Public-Private Partnership Program.
Under the first phase of the program, the state is conducting a managed lane study to review existing and future traffic, and roadway and environmental conditions, in order to identify alternatives and assess their potential impacts.
The May 14 letter urges MDOT to pursue mass transit “which is the only viable solution to lasting traffic congestion.” The letter also expressed concern about the potential loss of private property owned by residents and businesses, and public property, including the Rockville Senior Center, which borders I-270.
“We want to ensure that the proposed project does not include multi-parcel takings to add lanes or widen I-270 north or south,” the letter said. “These options will increase noise and pollution, invite more traffic, and create new levels of congestion.”
The Mayor and Council and city staff are continuing to actively engage with the state. Community members can learn more and comment on the project at https://495-270-p3.com/contact.
