The Maryland State Highway Administration is contacting homeowners associations in Rockville about noninvasive and invasive activities to support Phase 1 South and compensatory stormwater management work, which is part of the proposed I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Project.
As part of its ongoing investigations, SHA is requesting physical access to gain a better understanding of the properties, land use, environmental conditions and cultural resources, and to continue to avoid and minimize potential impacts from the project.
Noninvasive access seeks to visually identify land features, streams, wetlands, noise barriers, utilities and other conditions. Invasive activities may include soil borings to determine the soil properties, and environmental surveys that dig test pits no more than 18 inches wide. Borings and test pits will be backfilled with soil or grout once the investigations are complete.
SHA personnel requesting access to properties will carry official identification cards and are required to display them upon request. Typically, consultants are used by SHA to carry out these assessments.
The City of Rockville is offering the following guidance to property owners if they are approached by SHA personnel. (Note: This is not legal advice. Property owners are encouraged to retain legal counsel for individual guidance or legal advice.):
- Ask about the purpose of the visit.
- Ask to see official identification.
- Request a business card from any visitor.
- Review any access agreement SHA may request you to sign and request a copy.
- Request copies of any reports that are a result of the visit.
- Ask: “What are the anticipated impacts to my property?”
For more information about the I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Project, visit OpLanesMD.com.