Library Renovations: Updated: March 14, 2024 - Construction Moves to the Front of Community Center - Pedestrian Bridge Impacts

The scheduling of demolition and construction timelines are pending weather.

Active Alerts
  • No results found for this search.
CLOSE SEARCH

Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape Project

About the Project

At the intersection of East-West Highway /Ethan Allen Avenue (MD-410) and New Hampshire Avenue (MD-650), the Ethan Allen Gateway is a high use area for pedestrians, buses, and cars. A substantial business area, the Ethan Allen Gateway lacks adequate sidewalks, infrastructure compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), street trees, and pedestrian-oriented lighting.

As a key recommendation implementing the City’s New Hampshire Avenue Initiative, the project provides a safe and comfortable environment for pedestrians and bicyclists that links residents to alternative transportation options. The project supports local business and a vibrant commercial center at the Ethan Allen Gateway on New Hampshire Avenue. Download the Infographic that shows the project’s benefits

Current Project Status

The project was completed in 2019.

Aerial View of Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape Project Area
Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape Project Area (via Bing Maps)
Looking West Along East-West Highway in the Ethan ALlen Gateway Streetscape Area. Excess roadway devoted to cars does not accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
Looking west Along East-West Highway in the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape area. Excess roadway devoted to cars does not accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
Image of benefits produced from the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape Project
An overview of some of the pedestrian, bicycle, and environmental benefits produced by the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape project.

Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape Details

Project Info & Timeline

Budget & Funding Source

Budget: $412,000 for survey, design, and engineering, and an estimated $2 million for construction.

Funding Sources: Capital costs for the project were awarded two grants, $1.25 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives Program ( via Maryland State Highway Administration) and $66,000 from the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Bikeways Program. The City of Takoma Park is paying the balance of the capital costs for construction.

Links & Notes

Project Plan

Bid Tabulation

Invitation for Bids and Addendum and Questions/Answers

Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape – Benefits Infographic

Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape – Landscape Plan

 

Project Milestones

July 2019

Construction for this project was completed in July 2019.

 April 1, 2018

The construction began in April 2018.

July 2017

The contract was awarded to the lowest bidder J. Villa Construction Inc.

April 24, 2017

Opening Bids

April 12, 2017

Receipt of Qualifications and Bids.

March 2, 2017

Pre-Bid Meeting

February 1, 2017

Invitation For Bids released for construction of the project.

November 18, 2015

100% Plans submitted to SHA for final review and approvals.

May 21, 2014

A public Open House was held Wednesday, May 21 for residents and business owners to learn about revised plans for the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape. Since the concept was approved in 2012, modifications were made and additional details added on proposed landscaping, sidewalks, lighting, bus stops, and bike lanes.

July 17, 2013

The Regional Transportation Board approved $1.25 million in federal Transportation Alternatives funding for the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape project! 

May 6, 2013

An application for Transportation Alternatives Program funding to construct the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape was authorized by Takoma Park City Council Resolution 2013-24. To comply with the application, a revised design of the approved concept was submitted.

September 18, 2012

The concept design for the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape was endorsed by Takoma Park City Council Resolution 2012-53.

July 23, 2012

City staff presented the recommendation for the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape concept design to City Council. The concept involves removing the islands on the NW and SE corner,  removing the eastbound auxiliary lane, adding a sidewalk on the north side of East West Highway, and providing a marked crosswalk at Red Top Road. Council requested supplemental traffic analysis to be conducted for a ‘modified’ Alternative 3 with only one westbound through lane on East-West Highway across New Hampshire Avenue.

June 14, 2012

A Public Open House was held Thursday, June 14 at the Takoma Park Community Center. Three (3) design alternatives were on display,  incorporating pedestrian safety enhancements, bicycle lanes, street trees, and stormwater infiltration facilities. Residents and business owners shared their thoughts, preferences, and questions with the project team. Photos from the meeting are posted on the New Ave Facebook.

January 18, 2012

The first meeting for the project was held Wednesday, January 18 at the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium and attended by over two dozen residents and business owners. Following an introductory presentation of the project, meeting attendees participated in a workshop exercise providing input on streetscape elements for the Ethan Allen Gateway area. See an Overview of the January 18 Workshop, summarizing the process and recorded comments.

Project Directory Sections