Tag: silverspring

Georgia Avenue Project Update: What’s Happening on the Ground This Summer

Georgia Avenue Project Update: What’s Happening on the Ground This Summer

michelledesiderio

Big changes are starting to take shape along Georgia Avenue in Montgomery Hills, as the Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA)s long-awaited safety and accessibility project moves forward.

Utility work sets the stage
If you’ve driven through the corridor lately, you’ve probably noticed the new utility poles going up. These poles mark where the new curb will be, giving neighbors a first look at where wider sidewalks and the two-way protected bike lane will go.

Pepco’s contractor began relocating utility poles in May, working weekdays between Highland Drive and Forest Glen Road. This work is essential: utility relocations must be completed before the road can be rebuilt, sidewalks poured, and bike lanes added. The pole locations are designed to avoid the all-too-common hazard of poles blocking walkways. Utility work is also happening in the vacant parcel between 16th Street and Georgia Ave and is expected to continue through March 2026.

Visible changes in the neighborhood
Several familiar landmarks are shutting down as the project clears space for a safer, more walkable Georgia Avenue:

  • The Montgomery Hills Car Wash has closed permanently. Demolition is expected shortly, once Pepco completes utility disconnections and SHA finishes some site work.
  • The Shell gas station at Flora Lane is also closed to make way for the new shared-use path and improved intersection.
  • The ALDI pylon sign near Seminary Place is in the future sidewalk zone. The store has been notified that it will need to relocate the sign behind the new curb line.

What’s next?

  • Pole relocation and line transfer work will continue through early 2026.
  • Remaining property acquisitions will wrap up.
  • The main construction contract is expected to be advertised in FY 2027, with major roadway and streetscape work to follow.

When complete, the rebuilt Georgia Avenue will feature wider, ADA-compliant sidewalks, an 8-foot two-way protected cycle track on the west side, upgraded traffic signals, a median with dedicated turn lanes, and improved stormwater drainage — creating a safer, more inviting main street for Montgomery Hills. The triangular parcel between Georgia Ave and 16th Street is also planned to be a small neighborhood park after the roadwork is completed.

Stay tuned for updates. Friends of Montgomery Hills will share details as soon as they are announced.

Montgomery Hills Street Fest Update

After a fantastic 2024 Street Fest, Friends of Montgomery Hills has begun planning for the next Fest. The next Fest will take place in the spring of 2026. As part of Montgomery County’s effort to foster placemaking and community activities, the county awarded a grant to FOHM to help offset some of the costs of the next Fest. This grant will help expand the Fest, including more activities for families and kids. We’ll still need to raise funds from the community, but we’re off to a great start!