Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today celebrated the completion of the last missing sidewalk segment along the east side of U.S. Route 29 between University Boulevard and Oak Leaf Drive. The project will greatly improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety along Colesville Road, a busy six-lane roadway.

“One of the most important strategies in my Pedestrian Safety Initiative is to improve and complete the County’s pedestrian network,” said Leggett. “My goal is to transform our community and create a truly pedestrian-friendly environment where people can walk, bike and use transit. By completing the pedestrian walkway along U.S. 29, we have provided White Oak residents with a safe and convenient connection to shopping, schools, transit, employers and other community amenities.”

The sidewalk segment connects to existing sidewalks and is about 2,750 feet long, running between Lorain Avenue and Northwest Branch. About half of the new sidewalk is five feet wide, and the other half is six feet wide. The sidewalk complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“ ‘Where the sidewalk ends’ is great for a children’s poem, but not so great for neighborhoods, so I’m pleased that we’ve been able to close the gaps and connect communities,” said Montgomery Councilmember Nancy Floreen, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee. “I’m especially glad this piece of sidewalk pays particular attention to the needs of people with disabilities. Now let’s keep up the progress in making the County safer and friendlier for pedestrians.”

The project will improve pedestrian safety, especially for White Oak and Four Corners residents, and provide a connection between neighborhoods and schools, transit stops, parks, commercial areas, places of worship, and other community facilities, and serve as an optional bicycle route to the Food and Drug Administration in White Oak.

“We thank Montgomery County for partnering with SHA and dedicating the funds necessary to move the US 29 sidewalk project forward,” said Neil J. Pedersen, Maryland State Highway (SHA) Administrator and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “SHA staff walked every foot of sidewalk along State right-of-ways, and mapped the presence, condition and ADA compliance of these sidewalks in a GIS-based system with the goal of bringing ADA compliant sidewalks where they’re needed most - such as communities along Colesville Road. County Executive Leggett clearly recognizes the importance of serving communities and we appreciate his leadership in pedestrian safety.”

To create a flat shelf in the steep slope at the edge of the road for the sidewalk, retaining walls were constructed at three locations, spanning a total of 1,240 feet. The project required the relocation of 400 feet of sanitary sewer, drainage improvements, and installation of about 75 feet of new storm drain pipe.

Construction took about a year to complete. The construction budget was $3.8 million, which included $850,000 from SHA.

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Media Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6507