Purple Line Tunnel in Bethesda

Testimony to Montgomery County Planning Board, November 17, 2011

Including space for both the Purple Line tracks and the hiker/biker trail within the tunnel would be extremely costly and quite the engineering challenge. Whether or not the Planning Board recommends a trail in the tunnel, an open-air trail is needed on Bethesda and Willow Avenues. While a trail-crossing at Wisconsin Avenue will necessitate interacting with traffic, planners may be able to reduce or restrict vehicle turns at this location in order to maximize rider and pedestrian safety and convenience. It may well be possible to include a protected bike lane between on-street parking and the sidewalks on both sides of the street. This allows cyclists to travel in the same direction as car traffic to simplify the encounter of cars entering and leaving driveways on this block of Bethesda Avenue and would address the current design of the block.

Trails throughout the country have been designed with routes that blend with the settings -- as in urban areas -- and do not need to be contiguous with the abandoned rail ROW. Finally, this route is more convenient for many trips, which could move more people closer to several retail establishments, thereby also benefiting the merchants.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.