SS/busway.pr                  Contact:  John Clark, 301-217-2145
    
    COUNTY STUDY FINDS "BUSWAY"
    A FEASIBLE OPTION FOR US 29        For Immediate Release:  April 11, 1996
    
         Constructing a dedicated "busway" along the center of Colesville Road
    (U.S. Route 29) is a feasible option and would help to balance the road's
    "transit requirements with the needs of the surrounding communities,"
    according to a new study released by Montgomery County's Department of Public
    Works and Transportation.
         The proposed project addresses implementing a 3-1/2 mile busway on U.S.
    29 between Stewart Lane -- 1/4 mile north of New Hampshire Avenue (MD Route
    650) -- and Sligo Creek Parkway, which is a half-mile south of the Capital
    Beltway (I-495) interchange.
         "This study shows that a high-quality transit facility can be developed
    in a narrow right-of-way," said Graham Norton, Director of the County's
    Department of Public Works and Transportation.  "It can provide a realistic
    alternative to single-occupancy auto travel and transform U.S. 29 into an
    aesthetically pleasing 'boulevard' with many pedestrian amenities."
          A public meeting on the U.S. 29 Busway Feasibility Study will be held
    on May 7 at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
    headquarters, 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring.  For a specific time and
    location, or for more information, contact the Montgomery County Department of
    Public Works and Transportation's Office of Project Development at (301) 217-
    2145.
    
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    STUDY FINDS BUSWAY FEASIBLE FOR U.S. 29                          2-2-2
    
         The busway study will be reviewed by the Montgomery County Planning
    Board in late May and by the County Council in June.  Given a favorable review
    at the County level, it could be transmitted this summer to the Maryland
    Department of Transportation.  The State would ultimately be responsible for
    constructing the busway, if the project obtains approval and funding is
    appropriated.
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