On July 15, the National Capital Transportation Planning Board (TPB) approved $2 million in federal Transportation Alternatives Set Aside (TA Set-Aside) Program funding for development of a shared use path in Montgomery County that will establish connections at Dr. Bird Road and Norwood Road in Olney, Maryland.
The TA Set-Aside Program provides federal funds for projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trails, safe routes to school projects, historic preservation, community improvements, and environmental mitigation. As the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the metropolitan Washington region, the TPB is responsible for selecting projects using a portion of Maryland’s TA Set-Aside funding.
A selection panel consisting of District DOT, Virginia DOT, and TPB staff—with technical support from Maryland DOT—reviewed submissions and recommended the project for funding. While regional policy criteria are considered by the selection panel when deciding on funding recommendations, the selection process is largely driven by discussions and input from MDOT’s technical staff. Criteria include:
- Improving roadway safety
- Expanding transportation options
- Supporting Regional Activity Centers
- Improving access to high-capacity transit and Transit Access Focus Areas
- Improving access for low-income communities
- Supporting the National Capital Trail Network
- Supporting safe access to schools
- Increasing access for people with disabilities
Montgomery County is providing a 20 percent match of $615,000 for the trail project. The remaining unfunded portion of the request, $460,000, will be provided through Maryland DOT’s statewide TA Set-Aside allocation.
Heritage Triangle Trail Phase 1: Dr. Bird Road/Norwood Road Shared Use Path
Montgomery County, Maryland
$2,000,000
The approved funding will be used to construct two sections of a shared use path totaling 3,800 feet to complete a separated bike path from MD 108 (Olney Sandy Spring Road) to Ednor Road. The panel favored this project due to its readiness for implementation, allowing the TPB to use all available federal grant funds.
The project includes a 10-foot wide shared-use path separated from the roadway by a minimum 6-foot-wide grassed green space. The project also provides improvements to the MD 108 intersection at MD 182 (Dr. Bird Road) to provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades, crosswalks, and shorter pedestrian crossings. Improved pedestrian facilities are also provided at the intersection of MD 182 and Ednor Road to provide safe connections to the existing path along MD 182 (Layhill Road) south of the project terminus.
This trail is part of the larger Heritage Triangle Trail network, which is planned to connect four heritage tourism destinations: the Underground Railroad Experience, Woodlawn Manor, the Sandy Spring Museum, and the Olney Theatre. Importantly, the project will provide safer pedestrian and bicycle access to several schools (Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Sherwood Elementary, and Sandy Spring Friends School). The project will also allow nearby residents to safely access businesses along the trail corridor without a vehicle.
MORE: Presentation to the TPB on the FY 2027 Maryland Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (Item 7)