MCDOT’s new Shared Streets program supports residents and businesses by temporarily adjusting uses of public spaces to provide for in-street activities such as biking, walking, outdoor dining, and retail activity. All activity must comply with County and State of Maryland guidelines during the COVID-19 health crisis. Learn more.
Message from MCDOT Director Chris Conklin
"Safe and accessible public spaces are a critical aspect of community health and vibrancy. MCDOT understands that our public rights of way are a key resource for residents and businesses, and that the best use of those spaces may shift under changing circumstances.
In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, I have directed our planners and engineers to think creatively about how we can adjust the use of our streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities to best serve today’s needs. As a result, we are implementing a new initiative—Shared Streets."
Many local restaurants and retail businesses will rely on curbside access and space for outdoor dining as they reopen and expand services. MCDOT is collaborating with representatives from local activity centers to facilitate the closure or restriction of roads to vehicles where feasible to support economic recovery.
- Curbside Pick-Up Zones
- Downtown Bethesda “Bethesda Streetery”
- “Bethesda Streetery” news release
- "Bethesda Streetery" locations and hours, Bethesda Urban Partnership
- "Bethesda Streetery" street closures map (PDF)
- Wheaton "Streetery" Dining
- Silver Spring Streetdine
Locations supported by other jurisdictions
MCDOT has temporarily closed a small section of Newell Street from East West Highway to Kennet Street in downtown Silver Spring. This temporary closure is adjacent to Acorn Urban Park and effectively expands the size of this small neighborhood park by giving community members more room to recreate. MCDOT is partnering with Montgomery Parks to activate the street as part of Picnic in the Park .
-
Newell Street Temporary Neighborhood Park Expansion
- Newell Street news release ( coming soon)
- Newell Street f lyer (PDF)
- Newell Street Map on Google
Locations supported by other partners
- Montgomery County Parks and the tourism marketing agency Visit Montgomery have partnered to create the new “
Picnic in the Park” initiative, in which parkgoers can find nearby restaurants by scanning a QR code with their mobile device. Each of the nine parks has a designated "delivery zone" that is marked with a sign, along with multiple picnic areas that are physically distanced.
- Arlington Road and Little Falls Parkway
- Pike District's Temporary '
Popup Picnic Parks' in North Bethesda. Follow
@Pike_District on Twitter for updates.
Other changes will be coming soon across the County. Locations may shift over time because of available resources and changing needs.
What is the Shared Streets initiative?
MCDOT is temporarily modifying existing uses of County-controlled sidewalks, roads, on-street parking, and parking lots to provide more space that allows safe, social distanced activity.
What are the goals of Shared Streets?
- Support temporary changes in how we use our public spaces to best meet today’s needs.
- Maintain safety and access.
- Take an equitable approach and provide opportunities across the County.
- Support economic recovery while providing space to maintain social distancing requirements.
- Support the Maryland State Highway Administration in applying similar goals to State roads.
How is MCDOT implementing Shared Streets?
Working with community and government partners, we will identify:
- Priority locations for allowable activity, such as retail pick up, outdoor restaurant space and permitted social activity.
- Locations where pedestrian volumes are likely to be high and pedestrian space is limited.
- Test changes that could include closing one lane or more to support recreation, using on-street parking for retail or dining activity, or opening parking lots for food hall activity. Some streets may be designated local access only to redirect vehicle traffic and provide more space for physical distancing.
- Send suggestions to MCDOT.SharedStreets@montgomerycountymd.gov.
- Connect with your local business organizations, community advocacy groups or other MCDOT partners to provide suggestions or volunteer to support the program.
- Follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter.
- Subscribe to the Go Montgomery newsletter.
