New Ave Bikeway
About the New Ave Bikeway
The goal of this project is to creatively redesign the underutilized service lanes on the southbound side on New Hampshire Avenue as a two-directional bikeway, while still providing vehicular access to properties.
The second design phase of the project, supported by a Maryland Bikeways grant, continues to develop the design. It will provide design and consideration of pavement markings, signage, curb and sidewalk adjustments, vertical barriers between cyclists and vehicular traffic, and possible elimination of some curbside parking in the service lane.
This project builds on the 2012 New Ave Feasibility Study, the 2016 MWCOG grant for preliminary design, and the 2016 Bikeshare expansion into Ward 6. The outcome of the project is 60% Plans that the City can use to apply for further funding to complete final engineering drawings and the Bikeway’s eventual construction.
Current Project Status
FY18 MD Bikeways Grant
The New Ave Bikeway Project was awarded a Maryland Bikeways grant on November 29, 2017 to continue design work for the project. The FY18 grant funds develop semi-final designs for a portion of the Bikeway from Auburn Avenue to Holton Lane (Section A).
A grant agreement with the Maryland Department of Transportation was executed in July 2018. City Council passed an ordinance to execute a contract for design and engineering services for the bikeway on September 5, 2018.
Currently, design work and agency stakeholder meetings with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning (M-NCPPC), Montgomery Planning, Maryland State Highway Administration, and other agency stakeholders. The City received a project extension in order to finalize designs for the M-NCPPC owned portion of the bikeway.
60% design documents are currently being finalized. A City Council presentation is scheduled for late July.
FY20 Maryland Bikeways Grant
On September 19, 2019, the City was awarded an additional MD Bikeways Grant to develop 60% designs for an additional portion of the Bikeway from Auburn Avenue to Poplar Avenue (Section B). The grant agreement with the Maryland Department of Transportation was executed in December 2019.
Design work and agency stakeholder outreach has begun for 15% designs. Public outreach will occur in late Summer/Fall 2020 for comment on 30% design.
Project Lead & Contact Info
Jamee Ernst
City Planner
Phone: 301-891-7213
Email: jameee@takomaparkmd.gov
Quicklinks
- Planning and Community Development
- Bikeways Program
- Bus Stop Improvements
- City Planning
- Development Review
- New Ave Bikeway
- Parking Management Plan
- Public Space Management Plan
- Safe Routes to School
- Transportation Planning
New Ave Bikeway Details
Project Info & Timeline
- Completion date: TBD
- Takoma Park’s role in project: Lead
- Departments involved: Housing & Community Development
Budget & Funding Source
- $300,000 for 60% Engineering Designs for Section A: $240,000 in MD Bikeways Grant Funding, $60,000 in City Match
- $293,750 for 60% Engineering Designs for Section B: $235,000 in MD Bikeways Grant Funding, $58,750 in City Match
Funding Sources: Current design costs for the project are funded by a grant from the Maryland Bikeways, awarded in November, 2017. Further work will be funded by an additional MD Bikeways grant awarded in September 2019. City of Takoma Park contributes a 20% match as outlined above.
Project Timeline
- Fall 2020
Completion of 60% Design for Section A - Summer 2020
Community Outreach and Council Presentation for Section A
- June 2020
Initiation of Preliminary Design for Section B - September 2019
Awarded MD Bikeways Grant 60% Design for Section B - Fall 2018 to Present
Design Work and Agency Stakeholder Meetings (Ongoing) - October 2019
Six Month Extension Granted by MD Bikeways
- September 2018
Council Approves Ordinance to Execute Contract for Design Services with RK&K
- July 2018
Grant Agreement Executed - November 2017
Awarded MD Bikeways Grant for 60% Design for Section A - June 2017
30% Designs Completed - May 2017
RK&K 30% Designs Presented to Council - March 2017
Community Meeting for 30% Design - July 2016
MWCOG Technical Assistance Grant Awarded for 30% Design
Links & Notes
Preliminary Design (30% Plans) Completed
The City was awarded $60,000 for preliminary design of the New Ave Bikeway from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG).The first phase of design of the New Ave Bikeway Project was completed in June 2017. The City, in conjunction with MWCOG, selected a project consultant, Rummel, Klepper, and Kahl (RK&K). After meeting with City staff and stakeholders, RK&K developed 15% plans for the design and presented at a community meeting on March 16, 2017. They then incorporated public and agency stakeholder comments in the development of 30% design plans, presented to Council on May 17, 2017.
- New Ave Bikeway Project Area Map
- 30% Design New Ave Bikeway Roll-Out Plans
- 30% Design New Ave Bikeway Estimated Construction Costs
- May 17, 2017 – Final Council Presentation of 30% plans
- 15% Design New Ave Bikeway Roll-Out Plans
- New Ave Bikeway Option Matrix
- March 16, 2017 – Community Meeting: RK&K presented 15 percent design plans
Semi-Final Designs (60% Design) Completed
60% Designs were funded by a MD-Bikeways Grant and completed in late May 2020. These build on comments received on 30% plans above. Plans can be viewed at the links below.
