Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail

11/13/2023

Closed - Montgomery Parks Online Survey on the future of the Capital Crescent Trail

Closed - Montgomery County Council requests input on the CCT crossing of Little Falls Parkway

The Montgomery County Council requested your input on whether the CCT crossing of Little Falls Parkway should have a median between the 2 vehicle lanes. This links to their webform to give input. Input must be given before November 19, 2023, to reach the Council.

10/24/2023

Completed - Listening Sessions on the future of the Trail, on November 2 and 8, 2023

5/6/2023

Rock Creek and Potomac River Trail Segment near Lincoln Memorial now Open!

Many Capital Crescent Trail riders use the Rock Creek/Potomac River trails to extend their rides to and from DC. We are pleased to report that the portion of that Trail connecting from the river side of the Kennedy Center to West Potomac Park and the Jefferson Memorial is now repaved and reopened. Also, there is a new water fountain next to the Volleyball Courts.
This segment avoids a detour up to the Lincoln Memorial that crossed several streets and encountered the many tourists visiting the Memorial.

9/20/2022, updated 9/29/2022

Warning - Motorcycles still speeding on the Trail repeatedly

Update on 9/29/2022: Montgomery Parks Police reported that on Thursday morning an officer located the first motorcyclist described here, and that reports from Trail users were quite helpful in this. This is very good news, however this problem turns out to be larger. We have very recent reports of at least 4 sightings of a gasoline powered motorcycle going up to 40+ MPH on the trail between Georgetown and the Dalecarlia tunnel, including a sighting on Thursday afternoon after the police had located the first motorcyclist. Please report all sightings of speeding motorcycles or mopeds on the Trail to the Park Police numbers below. These direct reports are crucial in guiding the Park Police response to this problem. Reporting it on Facebook unfortunately has no such effect.

Do not contact the Park Police officer who was listed here. They are no longer a contact point for this. Call the contact numbers below. If you also email [email protected], it will help us track the problem. However, report sightings to Park Police first.

In mid-September, we have had many reports about a male driving what looks like an electric motorcycle (or very large moped) on the Capital Crescent Trail, apparently traveling to and from downtown Bethesda, and going far over the 15 MPH speed limit. When confronted the individual has been hostile and belligerent. We notified the Maryland-National Capital Park Police, and they asked us to share the following with you:

"Please call the Park Police if they see anyone operating on the trail in an unsafe manner. Also, if anyone encounters a motorcycle, moped, ATV, car or any vehicle for that matter that looks out of place, please call Park Police. If anyone should encounter someone on the trail in violation, have them get as much of a description of the person, the vehicle they are operating and direction of travel and forward it to Park Police Dispatch. I would also advise against engaging anyone who is driving aggressively on the CCT - let Park Police handle that."

The Montgomery Parks Police Dispatch number is: 301-949-8010
In DC, the US Park Police number is: 202-619-7300

Bikes or mopeds or motorcycles that move without being pedaled are NOT allowed anywhere on the CCT. Please report them when you see them, especially if speeding, to the police numbers above and to our [email protected] email. It may seem like there is no response, BUT user reports are essential to building a case for action.

6/19/2022

Little Falls Parkway is no longer closed on weekends, while Montgomery Parks studies making the road diet permanent and extended to Dorset Ave

Little Falls Parkway has been 1 lane each way in a short section at the CCT crossing since early 2017, to increase safety where trail users cross. This temporary "road diet" was put in place after a cyclist crossing there was struck by a car and killed on 10/17/2016. Montgomery Parks is now studying making this 1 lane section permanent, and possibly extending it to run from Dorset Ave to Arlington Rd. However, during this study Parks is suspending the weekend closure of Little Falls Parkway between River Rd and Arlington Rd under their Open Parkways Program. Here is part of their announcement:

Montgomery Parks has announced a temporary suspension of the Open Parkways program along Little Falls Parkway between River Road and Arlington Road, starting June 18. Under the Open Parkways program, Little Falls Parkway has been closed to vehicular traffic on weekends. The program is being suspended in this location to study the operational effects of reducing the Parkway from four lanes to two from Dorset Avenue to Arlington Road, and keeping Little Falls Parkway open to vehicles at all times.

Depending on the results of the study, Montgomery Parks will consider permanently reducing Little Falls Parkway from four lanes to two in order to repurpose one of the existing roadways for use as a linear park, which would be accessible to park users seven days a week. The study is expected to extend through the fall of 2022 and may involve several phases, including configurations that allow safe recreational use within unused portions of the roadway during the study period.

This links to a Montgomery Parks press release with more information.

You may have noticed that the short "road diet" on Little Falls Parkway is still considered temporary, after over 5 years. The CCCT considers this narrowing to 1 lane each way and additional warning signs at the CCT crossing as vital for trail users safety. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) agrees and has made it easy for you to send email supporting making the road diet permanent. Please make your voice heard to Montgomery Parks and County Council members on this this important point.

6/10/2022

Opinion supporting CCT tunnel & extension in June 10, 2022 Washington Post

On June 10, 2022, the Washington Post printed "Moving together on the Capital Crescent Trail tunnel and extension", an Opinion article written by CCCT board member David Kosub. (Click to download a PDF of it.) It gives reasoning supporting a replacement CCT tunnel under Wisconsin Ave, and completing the CCT extension between Bethesda and Silver Spring, which is being constructed as part of the Purple Line project.

6/8/2022

Renovation of Georgetown CCT Trailhead starts on Friday, June 10, 2022

Beginning Friday, June 10, 2022 work will begin on renovating the Trailhead area on Water Street at the Georgetown end of the Capital Crescent Trail. The work will continue for about 2 months and will take place mainly on the North side of Water Street just east of the arch where the trail passes through the remains of the Potomac Aqueduct. The work is not expected to block trail usage, but be careful as you traverse this area.

This is a Placemaking project of the Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID). Their goals are:

1. Create a safer pedestrian connection between the C&O Canal Towpath and the Capital Crescent Trail by rehabilitating the concrete staircase at the Potomac Aqueduct
2. Create a trailhead area for users of the Capital Crescent Trail, featuring seating, bike parking, landscaping, and improved drainage

The BID cautions that:  The remaining areas on Water Street used for unpermitted public parking will blocked and the vehicle turn-around space being transformed into the trailhead will not be accessible. Signs will be placed at 34th Street encouraging visitors looking for parking to turn around there instead of heading towards the aqueduct. Standard construction signs will be located closer to the site including details on the pedestrian detour to 34th Street due to the temporary staircase closure.

For more information and a contact:  https://www.georgetowndc.com/about/bid-programs/staircase-trailhead-project/

3/19/2022

Montgomery Parks asks users to immediately report cars on the Capital Crescent Trail

Montgomery Parks reports an increased problem with cars being driven on the Capital Crescent Trail. They ask trail users to contact police immediately if they see a car on the trail. In DC (downhill of the water plant) call National Park Service Police at 202-619-7300. In MD call Maryland-National Capital Park Police at 301-949-8010. An exception is if a vehicle is police or ambulance, or is an NPS or Parks or utility maintenance vehicle that is being driven cautiously.

Because of this problem, Montgomery Parks will be making improvements at places in the county where cars can enter or exit the trail, to restrict access to maintenance and emergency vehicles. Parks approach can be summed up as a determination to stop this before something serious happens. Beyond being a danger to trail users, cars can damage the bridge at the water plant, where the plastic wood decking is not designed for the load of car tires.

In the past, occasionally a confused driver would end up on the trail, but now there may be some intentional car traffic, or else noticeably more confused drivers.  Note: In Fall 2021 through early 2022, there were private cars and pickup trucks driving regularly on the Trail between Massachusetts Ave and 1/4 mile north of the Dalecarlia tunnel. This was due to a WSSC sewer repair project requiring a temporary pumping station in a location only vehicle accessible via the Trail. That project is completed, those vehicles are gone.

10/29/2021

Park Police searching for suspects who assaulted boy on the Trail on 10/27/2021

A boy was beaten up by a group of other boys while on the Capital Crescent Trail and police are searching for those responsible. It happened around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday 10/27/2021 near Little Falls Parkway and Dorset Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland, according to Maryland-National Capital Park Police (MNCPP).

Investigators say the boy, only described as a juvenile, was riding his bike on the trail when three other juvenile males approached him, knocked him to the ground and beat him up. The boy had minor injuries and was not taken to the hospital, according to police. It's not clear whether the three suspects knew the victim. 

Police said the area where it happened is a heavily traveled part of the trail. MNCPP investigators are working to find any camera footage or witness testimony.

Anyone who may have information is asked to call Maryland-National Capital Park Police at 301-929-2748, or email [email protected].

Source article: WUSA9 article by Matt Pusatory.  More Details in this blogspot post

7/3/2021

Completed - DC Water was drilling test bores next to CCT near Georgetown from July 7 to 16, between 8 AM and 5 PM

DC Water will drill 6-inch diameter boreholes to collect soil, rock, and groundwater samples, and install geotechnical monitoring instruments in the boreholes. The location is right next to the CCT, roughly 1/4 mile from the Georgetown trailhead. DC Water says "There will be no impacts to vehicular traffic lanes, pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and parking areas." Brief disruptions as vehicles drive in and out seem likely.

This DC Water flyer has lots more information, including photos and a map. This is a "Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation", in planning for the Potomac River Tunnel, part of the DC Clean Rivers Project to reduce the volume of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO's) to the Potomac River and improve water quality. Tunnel construction is supposed to start in 2023.  Work on "CSO 028" will impact the CCT, since the outfall pipe runs under the trail and the planned Diversion Chamber is right below the CCT just west of the Aqueduct Bridge, requiring a detour during CSO 028 work (timing as-yet unknown).

4/7/2021, 4/13/2021

Completed - Temporary CCT closures due to Tree Removal north of River Rd, April 19 to 23

Montgomery Parks announced on April 7, 2021, that: Crews will remove 11 trees (up from earlier 6) along Capital Crescent Trail near Washington Episcopal School beginning Monday, April 19. The project may take up to 5 days. Expect temporary trail closures during this time. The work will happen about midway between Neal Potter Plaza (just north of River Rd) and Dorset Ave. A detour is to use Brookside Dr, which is a few blocks west of the CCT via Dorset Ave or River Rd.

4/5/2021

Completed - Trail repair happening at Manning Place stairs, through late April or early May 2021

On Monday April 5, 2021, the National Park Service (NPS) started repairs for a years-long erosion problem beneath and below the CCT near the Manning Place stairs, which are located roughly midway between the bridge over Canal Rd and the bridge at the water plant. NPS expects this project to take 3 weeks to a month, until late April or early May. Trail users should exercise caution and obey the flaggers present during construction hours. Heavy equipment will be operating on the trail, and trucks will be hauling stone fill up the trail from Fletchers Boathouse. 

This project is a coordinated effort between NPS, the DC Department of Transportation, and DC water. DC Councilperson Mary Cheh was instrumental in getting it kicked off. CCCT extends our thanks to all of them. The new white stone "armoring" visible on the slope just below Potomac Ave was the first part of the project, the dark stone "armoring" below the trail that started installation on April 5 is the second part, and once that is done, rebuilding the safety fence will be the third part.

3/23/2021

Important County Council committee meeting on March 23, and then 2+ weeks of budget reconciliation - Urge the Council to override the County Executive and fund the Tunnel

Results of March 23 Meeting: The Council decided to keep tunnel funding in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), for the present. There is a budget reconciliation process that will work out over the next several weeks, and the tunnel funding may or may not survive those negotiations. So, continued encouragement to Council members is still needed. See the paragraph below and WABA's "Restore Funding for the Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel" page for helpful guidance on contacting the County Council.

Last year the Montgomery County Council voted unanimously to fund a tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda so that people using the Capital Crescent Trail would have a safe passageway between Woodmont Ave and Elm Street. The County Executive now proposes to remove the funding from his budget. The Council will be considering this issue the morning on March 23. If you support continued funding for the tunnel, you need to let the Council know. You can contact your individual Councilmember through https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/contact.html or you can email contact all the members of the Council at: [email protected]

The tunnel is not listed in the agenda, but it is listed on page 40 of this agenda document referenced for (.5) at 9:30 am:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/Resources/Files/agenda/col/2021/20210323/20210323_-5.pdf

Agenda: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/Resources/Files/agenda/col/2021/20210323/20210323_AG.pdf

3/20/2021

Little Falls Parkway open for people resumed on March 27 - Saturdays at 7 am through Sundays at 6 pm - from Arlington Rd to River Rd, not to Massachusetts Ave as in 2020.

Montgomery Parks has announced that starting on March 27, 2021, Little Falls Parkway will be limited to pedestrians and bikers on weekends, from Saturday at 7 a.m. through Sunday at 6 p.m. This will extend from Arlington Rd down to River Rd, not to Massachusetts Ave as in 2020. PLEASE follow the Montgomery Parks "Recommendations for Trail Users on Observing Social Distancing Minimums".

Link to the Montgomery Parks announcement, with details, and some other roads also open for people.

12/24/2020

Little Falls Watershed Alliance has Individual Trash Clean-up activity on 12/26/2020, and every Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm

The Little Falls Watershed Alliance is sponsoring a trash clean-up this Saturday, December 26, which includes the Capital Crescent Trail. From 9 to 5 pm, they will have bins of plastic bags and gloves available at the Bethesda Pool parking lot, which is located right next to the Capital Crescent Trail, at the corner of Little Falls Parkway and Hillandale Rd. More information is at https://www.lfwa.org/events/clean-parkway-clean-creek-december-26  Note they do a clean-up every Saturday, so if you can't make this one, pick another Saturday.

11/19/2020

Little Falls Parkway open for people has ended for the winter after Thanksgiving
weekend. It was open from noon Wednesday, Nov 25 to Sunday, Nov 29 at 4 pm.

Montgomery Parks has announced that its Open Parkways initiative for Little Falls Parkway from Massachusetts Ave to Arlington Rd (1.3 miles), will end for the winter after Thanksgiving weekend, On Thanksgiving weekend, it will be open from noon Wednesday, Nov 25 to Sunday, Nov 29 at 4 pm. PLEASE follow the Montgomery Parks "Recommendations for Trail Users on Observing Social Distancing Minimums".

Link to the Montgomery Parks announcement, with details, and some other roads also open for people.

8/30/2020

CCCT 2020 Annual Meeting is Virtual on Zoom: Monday, September 21, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 2020 CCCT Annual Membership Meeting will be Virtual, a Zoom Video Meeting on September 21, 2020 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Our speaker will be Mike Riley, Director of Montgomery Parks. A vote to confirm the 2020-2021 CCCT board will be held. Advance registration is required to attend, due to virtual meeting security concerns. Use this link to register to attend. The day before the Annual Meeting, all who register will be emailed a Zoom meeting link with a password. Here are the Rules for this 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting. Here is our full meeting announcement. Our 2020 Annual Meeting presentation is posted on our Documents Page.

8/29/2020

Little Falls Parkway open for people since Sept 5: 7 am Saturday to 6 pm Sunday

Montgomery Parks has adjusted its Open Parkways initiative for Little Falls Parkway from Massachusetts Ave to Arlington Rd (1.3 miles), to no longer include Fridays. starting Sept 5. First, on Labor Day weekend Little Falls Parkway open for people is extended, 9 am Friday through 7 am on Tuesday. After Labor day, it will be closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other trail users, from 7 am on Saturdays through 6 pm on Sundays. The parkway runs close to the Capital Crescent Trail (0 to 2 blocks), so it can ease some traffic on the trail, which has been very heavily used during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLEASE follow the Montgomery Parks "Recommendations for Trail Users on Observing Social Distancing Minimums".

Link to the Montgomery Parks announcement, with details, and some other roads also open for people.

8/5/2020

Public meeting for Water Street Staircase Rehabilitation and CCT Trailhead Project, Aug 25 6:30 PM

The Georgetown Business Improvement District held a virtual public meeting on the Water Street Staircase Rehabilitation and Capital Crescent Trail Trailhead Project, on Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 from 6:30-7:30 PM ET. You can click here to view the presentation made at the meeting.

This project will create a safer pedestrian connection between the C&O Canal Towpath and the Capital Crescent Trail by rehabilitating the existing concrete staircase at the Potomac Aqueduct. The project will also create a small trailhead area for users of the Capital Crescent Trail, featuring seating, bike parking, landscaping, and improved drainage. More information is available on the project website.

This is a grant-funded project from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) through the Transportation Alternatives Program. If you have any questions or need assistance prior to the meeting, please email [email protected] or David Levy at [email protected].

7/29/2020

Completed - Construction of a raised crosswalk for trail across Little Falls Pkwy started July 28

Construction of a raised crosswalk (aka: speed table) for the CCT crossing of Little Falls Parkway started on July 28, 2020. The work will last for at least several weeks. Trail users should follow the short marked detour and use caution around the work area. Vehicular traffic should expect minor delays.

Montgomery Parks announcement:
www.montgomeryparks.org/alert/closure-at-the-capital-crescent-trail-crossing/
Project page, with details:
https://www.montgomeryparks.org/projects/directory/capital-crescent-trail-crossing-at-little-falls-parkway/

6/26/2020

Survay Closed - Montgomery County Vision Zero 10-Year Strategic Plan Development and Community Survey

Help the County eliminate serious and fatal traffic crashes in the coming decade! The County is creating a 10-year Vision Zero strategy and needs your input to make it happen. To learn more about the current Vision Zero efforts read the current Plan. Vision Zero 10-Year Strategic Plan Development and Community Survey are at:

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/visionzero/2030plan.html

6/20/2020

Montgomery County Department of Transportation offers new Bike Match program

Do you have a bike you no longer use? Do you need a bike for transportation? Bike Match MoCo is a new, free service that enables people with extra, unused bicycles to connect with individuals who can use the bicycle for commuting or running errands. Whether you have a bike or need a bike, just fill out a form on MCDOT's website and staff will do their best to find you a match. Learn more at:

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/commuter/bikeshare/bikematch.html

6/9/2020

Completed - Montgomery Parks Tree Work along the Capital Crescent Trail scheduled for June 15-19, 2020

Montgomery Parks staff are scheduled to remove hazardous trees along the Capital Crescent Trail from Bethesda Avenue to the DC line. The work is scheduled for June 15 through June 19, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily. The trail will not close at any time, but trail users can expect potential delays.

6/8/2020

Funding for the CCT tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue was approved by the Montgomery County Council

The Capital Budget passed on May 21, 2020 by the Montgomery County Council includes funding to construct a CCT tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue, with construction to run from 2024 to 2026.

Washington Post: Montgomery County Council funds $54.9 million trail tunnel in downtown Bethesda

6/5/2020

A suspect has been arrested and charged in the assault on Monday afternoon June 1 on the CCT

On Friday June 5, Park Police identified a suspect in the June 1 assault on the Capital Crescent Trail. The suspect has been arrested and charged.

This Montgomery Parks press release has further information.  This PDF of the Montgomery Parks press release has photos.

There was much speculation and amateur sleuthing, that led to several people being falsely accused of this attack on social media, injuring their reputation and disrupting their lives. Please forward information and suspicions to the Police, and let them do their job. Here is an article on one person falsely accused of this attack.

NY Magazine: What It’s Like to Get Doxed for Taking a Bike Ride

Park Police were asking for help identifying suspect in assault on Monday afternoon June 1 on the CCT

Maryland-National Capital Park Police were asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect in connection with an assault that took place Monday afternoon June 1 on the Capital Crescent Trail in Montgomery County, a release from Park Police said.

Park police posted a photo of the bicyclist on Twitter Tuesday and wrote that they were asking for the public’s help in identifying him. They asked people to call a detective at 301-929-2774 if they had information and to reference case number 20001297.

Park police issued a press release Thursday afternoon that said around 12:45 p.m. on Monday, three “young adults,” including one male and two females, were walking near the Dalecarlia Tunnel near the Brookmont area. A bicyclist, police wrote, started arguing with the three people, who were posting flyers. The bicyclist then grabbed one of the flyers from one of the three people, police said. He then charged at one of the three with his bicycle, causing them to fall to the ground.

This NBC 4 Washington story has video of the incident.

This Bethesda Magazine article has some further information.

5/31/2020

Montgomery County Department of Transportation announces Shared Streets initiative on 5/29/2020

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has launched its new “Shared Streets” program to support safe, physically distanced activity as the County enters Phase I of recovery from the COVID-19 health crisis. The initiative will involve looking for temporary ways to modify existing uses of County sidewalks, roads, on-street parking and parking lots to provide extra space residents and businesses could use to comply with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) spacing guidelines.

MCDOT is soliciting ideas and feedback from residents, business organizations, advocacy groups and others through two online surveys. One is a survey for residents. The other is a survey for owners of businesses.

More information can be found at: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT/sharedstreets/

Link to the Montgomery County DOT announcement, with details.

5/21/2020

Little Falls Parkway is open for people to walk, jog and bike, 9 am Friday to 6 pm Sunday, starting April 17
On Memorial Day weekend, Little Falls Parkway open for people was extended through 6 pm on Monday

Montgomery Parks has expanded its Open Streets initiative to include Little Falls Parkway from Massachusetts Ave to Arlington Rd (1.3 miles). It is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other trail users, and closed to vehicles, from 9 am on Fridays through 6 pm on Sundays. The parkway runs close to the Capital Crescent Trail (0 to 2 blocks), so it can ease some traffic on the trail, which has been very heavily used during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLEASE follow the Montgomery Parks "Recommendations for Trail Users on Observing Social Distancing Minimums".

Link to the Montgomery Parks announcement, with details, and some other roads now open for people.

5/15/2020

Arlington Rd also open for people, from Little Falls Pkwy to Kenwood Forest Lane, 9 am Friday to 6 pm Sunday

Starting May 8, Arlington Road is closed to vehicles from its intersection with Little Falls Parkway up to Kenwood Forest Lane (just south of the Safeway at Bradley Blvd), from 9 a.m. on Fridays until 6 p.m. on Sundays. One lane on the east side is closed up to the Liberty gas station at Bradley Blvd. This effectively lengthens the Little Falls Parkway Open Streets distance, effectively to Bradley Blvd. PLEASE follow the Montgomery Parks "Recommendations for Trail Users on Observing Social Distancing Minimums".

Link to the Montgomery County DOT announcement, with details.

3/5/2020

Important County Council committee meeting on March 5 at 2PM, emails supporting the tunnel were needed

Purple Line NOW sent out this action alert on 3/4/2020, about the critical need to push now for the CCT tunnel under Wisconsin Ave, and an important County Council committee meeting happening on March 4 at 2PM:

Many of you know that in his most recent budget, the Montgomery County Executive failed to fund a long-promised tunnel for pedestrians and bikers in Bethesda as part of the Purple Line project which includes completing the Capital Crescent Trail from Bethesda to Silver Spring.

Purple Line NOW has just learned that there is a Montgomery County Transportation and Environment Committee (T&E) meeting tomorrow, Thursday, March 5, at 2 pm at the County Office Building in the 7^th Floor Hearing Room.

We ask you to send an email TONIGHT or EARLY TOMORROW MORNING to the T&E committee members, individually, and let them know you want them to champion the completion of the tunnel as it was proposed and designed years ago. Their names and email addresses are at the end of this alert.

If we miss this window to construct the underpass alongside the Purple Line now, the obstacles to completing the tunnel in future years may prove insurmountable. Don’t be fooled by talk about being able to push the construction of the tunnel to a later date. Down the road, costs and disruption will be magnified, and delaying will risk compounding promises broken to the community. While we understand there will be tough trade-offs when searching for additional funding, if we miss this chance to encourage the Council to find the funding for the tunnel now, the trail will open incomplete and Montgomery County would take an unprecedented step back on its Vision Zero goals.

Here is the background you need to know before writing your email:

• The Wisconsin underpass is not a new idea, it replaces a previously existing tunnel on the interim trail that led to the heart of downtown Bethesda, one that the last county council promised to replace as part of constructing the Purple Line.
• Just as the Purple Line connects multiple Marc and Metro lines, the trail from Silver Spring to Bethesda will be a linchpin to a larger trail network, including the remainder of the Capital Crescent Trail, the Green Trail, and the Metropolitan Branch. This network is not just useful to recreation, but helps people access jobs, housing, and shopping, and its reach is magnified by the bike-friendly Purple Line.
• The Bethesda to Silver Spring portion of the Capital Crescent trail will also be separated from highway traffic when it crosses Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase and Colesville Road in Silver Spring. The trail must also be separated from highway traffic when it crosses Wisconsin Avenue (as it did in the past) and continue below-grade in the tunnel.

Finally, it is important for all of us to understand and emphasize to our Councilmembers that no matter where you work or live, the tunnel will benefit the region as a whole. The trail will continue to serve as a commuter route for pedestrians and bikers from one end of the Purple Line corridor to the other. Having a safe crossing, as promised, benefits all of us.  

Please emphasize to the Council that you want them to make the tunnel’s completion a priority – many are leaning that way, but they need to know you understand there will be trade-offs with other projects. Tell them why the tunnel is important to you. And, if you remember, please copy us on your email.

Thank you for taking the time to send an email to the Councilmembers below. We want our elected representatives to hear from our constituency before they walk into that meeting tomorrow! We do not expect any decisions regarding the funding to come out of this first meeting, but it is important they proceed with the understanding that they have our community’s support.

 T&E Committee Members (and Councilmember Friedson, in whose district the tunnel will reside):

• Andrew Friedson [email protected]
• Evan Glass [email protected]
• Tom Hucker [email protected]
• Hans Riemer [email protected]

As always, we will keep an eye on the proceedings and the progress as this issue makes its way through the process. Thank you for your time and your help!

Purple Line NOW

http://www.purplelinenow.com/

2/21/2020

Funding for a CCT tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue now depends on action by the Montgomery County Council

The County Executives proposed 2021 capital budget does not include funding needed to build this safe passageway for the Trail between Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street. Washington Post article. Bethesda Magazine article. As a result, Trail users will have to navigate a surface route through downtown Bethesda and cross the heavily congested Wisconsin Avenue. The Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail has always supported a tunnel and has recently testified before the County Council urging it to approve funding the tunnel. Over the next weeks, the County Council will decide whether to appropriate money for the tunnel. The sooner you express your position on the tunnel, the greater the chance that it will be heard.

You have a chance to express your views on the tunnel by contacting members of the County Council. Contact your district Council Member, as well as all At-Large Council Members, and tell them what they should do about funding the tunnel. It is important for Council Members to know what you want them to do. 

6/16/2019

Planning Board rejects Montgomery Parks recommendation on Capital Crescent Trail Crossing of Little Falls Parkway

At the Montgomery County Planning Board meeting on June 13, 2019, Montgomery Parks presented their recommendation reported in the 6/7/2019 post immediately below. Unusually, the Planning Board rejected the Parks staff recommendation. They voted to return Little Falls Parkway to its original configuration of 2 lanes each way, and to move the CCT crossing over to the traffic light at Arlington Rd. This was by a 4-1 vote, with Chair Casey Anderson the dissenting vote. This change will require significant construction work, even though it leaves the roadways unchanged, so the crossing will stay as it is for at least months, with Little Falls Parkway 1 lane each way.

Bethesda Magazine article with more details: https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/development/planning-board-axes-road-diet-for-capital-crescent-crossing/

Here is the video recording of this Planning Board meeting: http://mncppc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=2047

CCCT had recommended an approach much like what the Planning Board chose, but with the addition of re-configuring the Arlington Rd/Little Falls Parkway/Glenbrook Rd intersection so that Arlington - Little Falls is the thru street, with Glenbrook intersecting as a T, replacing how Arlington Rd currently intersects as a T. Here are the comments CCCT submitted to Montgomery Parks with this recommendation.

6/7/2019

Montgomery Parks report on safety improvements project at the Capital Crescent Trail Crossing of Little Falls Parkway

The report recommends Alternative A, which "converts the existing at-grade crossing to a raised crosswalk and maintains the reduction in vehicle lanes to eliminate the multiple-lane threat and reduce vehicle speeds." The project will be presented to the Montgomery County Planning Board on June 13, 2019.

Montgomery Parks report letter: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/uploads/2018/04/May-2019-CCT-LFP-Outreach-Letter-r1.pdf

Montgomery Parks project page: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/projects/directory/capital-crescent-trail-crossing-at-little-falls-parkway/
Look down this page for links to download the full facility plan report and appendices.

Bethesda Magazine article: https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/development/capital-crescent-trail-safety-improvements-have-reduced-crashes/

11/27/2018

Completed - Removal of Vegetation at Potomac Aqueduct starting on 11/27 affects the trail

The National Park Service alerted us at 7 am on 11/27/2018, saying:

I apologize for the short notice. NPS will be removing vegetation from the Potomac Aqueduct today starting at 9:00 AM. It looks like the job of removing all vegetation from the faces of the Aqueduct will continue on throughout the week. Maintenance will be using a boom truck in order to remove the Ivy from the western face of the structure and any other hard to reach areas. NPS will have volunteer flaggers directing pedestrians and bicyclists through the work area. Barricades will be placed around the boom truck and signage will be placed at the trail head. Bicyclers are asked to dismount there bikes when in the work zone.

The Potomac Aqueduct is at the Georgetown end of the trail, over the gate between the trail and Water St.

11/3/2018

Completed - Neal Potter Plaza dedicated and open for use

The Neal Potter Plaza (formerly River Road Park) was dedicated on Saturday morning, November 3, 2018, and is open for use. Click this link for more information, on our Neal Potter Plaza page.

10/11/2018

Completed - Trail closure/detour for repaving at River Road Plaza, Friday October 12, 9am - 3pm

As construction of River Road Plaza nears completion, the Trail will be repaved in the Plaza area. This will take about 6 hours, during which the Trail will be blocked off from the south end of the bridge over River Road to the north (uphill) end of the construction zone for the Plaza. On 10/11, the Montgomery Parks website says that repaving will be done from 9 am to 3 pm on Friday October 12.

See the Montgomery Parks CCT page for their notifications on this paving:
https://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/capital-crescent-georgetown-branch-trails/

During the closure, Trail users going south (downhill) will need to leave the Trail where the Plaza starts, by turning west towards Security Storage. Trail users going north (uphill) will need to leave the Trail just before the bridge. A detour will be marked, using a side path south of River Road, using the Security Storage driveway north of River Road, and crossing River Road at grade. Watch for flagmen and police directing traffic during this trail closure.

9/26/2018

Public Meeting: Capital Crescent Trail Crossing of Little Falls Parkway, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School cafeteria, on Oct 9 2018, 6:30 PM

Meeting report - This links to a report from WTOP.com on the 3 crossing options that were presented at this meeting, with pictures.

Montgomery Parks will present concept alternatives for the Capital Crescent Trail Crossing at Little Falls Parkway. on Tuesday October 9, 2018, in the B-CC HS Cafeteria, 4301 East West Highway, in Bethesda, MD from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

The Capital Crescent Trail Crossing at Little Falls Parkway project focuses on developing a permanent, safer crossing for all trail users, and minimizing vehicular traffic delay. Montgomery Parks hosted the first Community Meeting on June 13, 2018. After receiving public feedback, staff have developed concept alternatives which will be presented. The public can review each plan, ask questions and comment before or after the brief presentation.

This will be a joint meeting with Montgomery County Department of Transportation covering the Bethesda Bikeway loop projects (DOT) and the Capital Crescent Trail Crossing at Little Falls Parkway project. Park staff along with MCDOT will give a joint presentation on various pedestrian and bicyclist projects to impact the Bethesda area.

Additional information about the program, schedules and how to contribute is available at MontgomeryParks.org:
https://www.montgomeryparks.org/projects/directory/capital-crescent-trail-crossing-at-little-falls-parkway/

8/25/2018

Trail is no longer detoured at Foundry Branch

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) had been working since August 2017 on repairs to a junction box adjacent to the Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) at Foundry Branch, as part of their Upper Potomac Interceptor (UPI) project. This required a detour in the CCT, almost 1/2 mile above the Georgetown end. That repair work was completed in July 2018, and the detour is now gone.

5/21/2018

Community Meeting: Capital Crescent Trail Crossing of Little Falls Parkway, Somerset Elementary School, 5811 Warwick Place, Chevy Chase, MD, on June 13, 7:00 PM

Montgomery Parks is working on improving safety for Capital Crescent Trail users at the intersection with Little Falls Parkway.

Please join parks staff at a community meeting at 7 PM on June 13 2018, to learn about proposed safety improvements and review conceptual trail crossing alternatives. For additional information, visit the park project webpage at MontgomeryParks.org.

CCCT board members will be in attendance.

Meeting response - Here are the CCCT comments submitted to Montgomery Parks after this meeting.

3/30/2018

Design of Proposed Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel in Downtown Bethesda Moves Ahead

The trail won't fit into the existing tunnel with the Purple Line, so a separate new tunnel under Wisconsin Ave is needed. This article describes 3 design options that the county Department of Transportation is considering for the eastern end of the tunnel.
Click this link to see an article in Bethesda Magazine with details.

3/22/2018

Trail was temporarily CLOSED south of River Road, due to ice falling from TV tower

On 3/22/2018, the Parks department temporarily closed the Capital Crescent Trail just south of River Road, due to ice failing from a TV tower near the trail.

3/16/2018

Update on Capital Crescent Trail Detour due to sewer repairs at Foundry Branch - detour stays until July 2018

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) has been working for some time on the Upper Potomac Interceptor (UPI), part of which involves repairs to a junction box adjacent to the Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) at Foundry Branch, to prepare it for re-activation. This required a detour in the CCT, described in the 8/1/2017 news item on this page. This repair work was originally projected to be completed in September 2017, but it has been delayed several times due to unforeseen circumstances, so the detour remains, probably through July 2018.

The current schedule has the repair work on the junction box adjacent to the trail starting in mid-April and taking approximately 3 weeks. Before, after, and especially during this repair work, there may be increased impact on the trail, such as for equipment access and bypass sewage pumping.

When the repairs are completed, the sewage will be directed into the new/relined Upper Potomac Interceptor and hopefully this will eliminate the type of sewage spills that occurred along the Capital Crescent Trail in 2014. DC Water will then begin to demobilize and once all the equipment is removed, they will remove the CCT detour. This should occur in July and they should be completely done in the area by August 2018 if all goes as planned.

2/27/2018

Montgomery County Council Approves Trail Improvement Deal with Ourisman Honda

A 1300 square ft Plaza will be created where the trail intersects Bethesda Avenue.
Click this link to see an article in Bethesda Magazine with details.

2/26/2018

River Road Plaza construction has started!

Click this link for more information, on our Neal Potter (formerly River Road) Plaza page.

8/30/2017

Long term CCT closure east of Bethesda, for Purple Line construction

The Purple Line Transit Partners announced on 8/29/2017 that to construct the Purple Line Project, the trail east of Bethesda will close on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 for four to five years. This is the former unpaved trail between Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda and Talbot Avenue in Silver Spring, also called the GeorgeTown Branch Trail. It will re-open, the current prediction is in fall 2026, as a grade-separated paved trail next to the Purple Line, extended into downtown Silver Spring. For more information on the project and to see the signed official alternate route (it's long, and unpleasant in places):

http://www.purplelinemd.com/en/cctrail

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) offers several shorter, nicer detour routes:

http://www.waba.org/blog/2017/08/georgetown-branch-trail-detour-options-during-purple-line-construction/

8/1/2017

Capital Crescent Trail Detour due to Repairs to Upper Potomac Interceptor at Foundry Branch

Washington, DC - The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is working on the Upper Potomac Interceptor (UPI) adjacent to the Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) to prepare it for re-activation.  Work so far has included the installation of a liner and repairs to manholes.  In August 2017, DC Water will start to work on the junction box located at the Foundry Branch Tunnel.  In order to perform this work, users of the CCT will be detoured onto a parallel trail around the construction area.  This detour involves wooden ramps and sharp turns. The ramps will be coated to increase traction but may be slippery when wet. All cyclists are asked to slow down and use caution when traveling in this area. The detour will be in effect the week of July 31 and is expected to last 6-8 weeks.

Additionally, construction involves the use of heavy equipment and vehicles that travel on the CCT.  Closures of the CCT will be minimized but will occur from time to time to allow movement of equipment.  CCT users are also encouraged to use the C&O Canal Towpath to avoid this area.

The work is necessary to bring the UPI back into service and help prevent sewage spills during heavy rain events.  Construction should be completed in September 2017.

12/7/2016

New Traffic Pattern at Trail crossing with Little Falls Parkway

Look for a new traffic pattern to improve safety at the intersection of Little Falls Parkway and the Capital Crescent Trail.  Work will start late December 2016 to improve safety at the trail crossing.  Little Falls Parkway will narrow from two lanes to one each way in the vicinity of the Capital Crescent Trail intersection.  The speed limit will be reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph.  Additional signs alerting motorists of pedestrians and bicyclists will also be installed. (Read the article)

5/26/2015

CCT: TRAIL DETOUR in Downtown Bethesda! MONDAY May 26, 2015 for about 2 weeks

Please note that beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2015 the Capital Crescent Trail will begin to be detoured at Lot 31, between Bethesda Avenue and The Bethesda Rest plaza, to allow for the improvements to the (trail) CCT adjacent to the Lot 31 construction site to be constructed. The detour will last approximately 2 weeks, according to the developer.

The CCT trail will be detoured to the southern path of Lot 31 to Woodmont Avenue. Pedestrians will then utilize the sidewalks on Woodmont to continue on the trail or to reach Bethesda Avenue. Bikes will utilize the bike lanes on the roadway. To travel north bikers should utilize the mid-block crossing to reach the bike lane, traveling south bikes should cross at Bethesda/Woodmont to reach the southbound bike lane. (Variable message) VMS signs and directional signs will be placed directing the CCT detour. Please note: all access to the public parking garages will remain open.

In addition, the NW corner of Woodmont / Bethesda intersection will also undergo modifications at this time. Pedestrians will still be able to cross at this intersection, but should with caution. Signs will be set up for this improvement area also.

Thank you for your patience,

Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail Management