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County proposes downtown traffic study

by Greg Simmons
Gazette Staff Writer
Nov. 1, 2000

Between the bus and her feet, Zoila McHugh gets around. But she knows being on the road without the safety of a car can be dangerous.

"I never have no problem walking," McHugh said. But watching cars whiz by while standing at a Metro bus stop on Colesville Road, she said, "I think it's too much traffic."

County officials believe it is time to take a closer look at downtown Silver Spring traffic and are proposing a study, which could cost $200,000, said Scott Wainwright, head of county traffic and parking services.

The county began talking about a study in July, which would be the first full inspection of traffic in the area in more than 10 years, Wainwright said.

Within the next few years, officials hope the downtown population will be booming after businesses such as Discovery Communications arrive, but they also fear it might choke streets.

"I think it's a very important priority," said County Councilman Derick Berlage (D-Dist. 5) of Silver Spring. "We want to make sure that when that development takes place that congestion stays down to a minimum.

"If we need to do a traffic study to protect our particular investment, then we have to do that," Berlage said.

Between tax incentives and infrastructure projects, the county will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Silver Spring's redevelopment.

Wainwright said the county might even look into the possibility of pedestrian-only streets.

"There's a lot of things that could be done to make downtown Silver Spring more walkable," he said.

The county has contacted two companies, one from Baltimore and one in Silver Spring, to provide estimates for the study. But before an official study is proposed, the county must find the money to pay for it.

Wainwright said there is no money in his public works division to pay for the project.

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