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.
Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape Details
Project Info & Timeline
- Target start date: Spring 2018
- Project Completion: Summer 2019
- Takoma Park’s role in project: Lead
- Departments involved: Public Works and Housing & Community Development
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
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.
