Metropolitan Branch Trail Upgrade
About the Metropolitan Branch Trail
Commonly referred to as the “Met Branch Trail”, the partially completed trail uses rail right-of-way to create a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path. When complete, the Metropolitan Branch Trail will be an 8.5-mile multi-use trail from Union Station in the District of Columbia to Maryland’s Silver Spring transit hub.
The City of Takoma Park is responsible for the care and maintenance of 0.45 miles of the MBT, running along Takoma Ave and Albany Ave, between DC and Silver Spring. In 2003, this half-mile stretch became one of the first alignments of the MBT.
Current Project Status
On September 14, 2023, the City was awarded a new grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program for the Metropolitan Branch Trail Upgrade of $465,000 for the design of the project. This grant will allow the City to complete the design and then seek construction funds. The total project cost is $581,000, with $116,000 City match.
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The Preliminary (30%) Designs for the Metropolitan Branch Trail Upgrade were presented during the City Council meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The designs were created by the firm Rummel, Klepper, and Kahl (RK&K), with the input from community members, city, and county staff. To get to the construction phase, the City is looking into funding options to complete semi-final (60%) and final (100%) designs. Additional community engagement will occur during those stages.
- **NEW** Finalized Preliminary (30%) Concept Design Plans (PDF)
- First Draft Preliminary Concept Designs for the MBT Upgrade (PDF)
- Presentation Slides (PDF)
- Presentation Recording (YouTube – English)
- Presentation Recording (YouTube – Español)
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In April 2022, MWCOG awarded the City a grant to start the process to upgrade the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) to meet current standards for safe, comfortable, and connected bikeways. The $60,000 funded technical assistance for preliminary designs work on the trail. Possible improvements could include resurfacing and widening the trail, adding lighting for evening riding, creating new pedestrian crossings to nearby parks and community institutions, and more!
Learn more about the District Dept. of Transportation’s efforts to continue the MBT to the south: https://metbranchtrail.com/met-branch-trail-fort-totten-to-takoma/
Learn more about Montgomery County Dept. or Transportation’s efforts to continue the MBT to the north: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dte/projects/metropolitan/index.html
Project Lead
Rosalind Grigsby
Community Development Manager
Housing and Community Development
Phone: 301-891-7205
Email: planning@takomaparkmd.gov
Quicklinks
- Planning and Community Development
- Bikeways Program
- Bus Stop Improvements
- Maple Avenue Connectivity Project
- Metropolitan Branch Trail Upgrade
- Minor Master Plan Amendment
- New Ave Bikeway
- Public Space Management Plan
- Safe Routes to School
- We Belong Here: The Takoma Park Equity Walk
Project Timeline
- February 27, 2024
Execution of agreement between the City and the State of Maryland for grant funds - September 14, 2023
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program grant awarded $465,000 - July 12, 2023
City Council presentation on finalized preliminary (30%) designs - March 2, 2023
Virtual Community Meeting to Review Initial Concept Designs - December 10, 2022
Community route walk and ride for preliminary input - Fall -Winter 2023
Site Analysis and Community Engagement Process - September 2022
Project Kick-off - April 2022
MWCOG Technical Assistance Grant Awarded for Preliminary (30%) Design
