The I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Study Draft Environmental Impact Statement, released in July, is available for public comment through Monday, Nov. 9, after the state in late August extended the comment period by 30 days to allow the public and agencies more time to review the lengthy document.
The Mayor and Council unanimously oppose the state project to widen interstates 270 and 495 over the American Legion Bridge with toll lanes, Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton testified during a Sept. 10
hearing in Rockville, saying a “no-build alternative” is the only alternative in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Newton questioned the project’s ability to reduce traffic or mitigate environmental impacts at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we work and attend school, and creating an uncertain financial future for many.
“This proposed project will add a devastating loss of parks, adverse impacts to the Chesapeake watershed, wetlands and tree canopy – and we mustn’t forget the air and noise pollution that comes with increased speed and traffic,” Newton said.
To provide comments on the DEIS, through Nov. 9, or the Joint Federal/State Application for the Alteration of Any Floodplain, Waterway, Tidal or Nontidal Wet-land in Maryland, through Oct. 8, visit 495-270-p3.com/your-
participation/provide-feedback.
To read more about the Mayor and Council’s efforts regarding this project, visit RockvilleReports.com and search “I-270.”