Key Findings of the Task Force Analysis
All 5 pathway options would increase access for cyclists and pedestrians in WG and nearby communities to Metro and commercial and recreational sites.
All options would increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the WG roads that funnel traffic toward a pathway connection.
Railroad St presents the most traffic safety concerns of the five options, joining Ridge Rd at a blind curve with oncoming auto traffic.
Meadow 2A would result in significant environmental and historical disturbance, creating a 14-foot-wide pathway across the Conservation Meadow and potentially a 16-foot-wide pathway through the forested hedgerow containing archeologically sensitive areas.
Lower Brown St would produce the least environmental disturbance. But it would introduce added pedestrian and bicycle traffic into a cul-de-sac environment. It is the only option funded by MC DoT for design and construction, with completion in FY2024. Construction from the end of Brown St to reach the Crabbs Branch Way connection would warrant close involvement of WG with MC DoT.
Meadow 2B would create significant environmental and historical disturbance along two edges of the Conservation Meadow; it also would cross the Piedmont Meadow and its forested eastern border, with wetlands and archeologically sensitive sites.
Widening and Extending Railroad St to Grove Rd would create traffic safety concerns, similar to those of the Railroad St option for pedestrians and bicyclists approaching the pathway connection at Ridge Rd. This option risks encouraging future County highway expansion along this route, which could result in increased traffic, noise pollution, and threaten the historic designation of the Town.
Mitigation approaches are available to minimize negative effects of all pathway options, including working with MC DoT on the pathway design.
The “no path” option avoids possible undesirable future impacts of a Shared Use Pathway on the Town, but forfeits multiple opportunities: to increase access to the Grove Shopping Center and Metro, to promote environmentally friendly travel and recreation, and to advance social equity with neighboring communities.
If the Town approves a shared use path option, the TF recommends creating an official Shared Use Pathway Town Committee to monitor concerns, advocate for mitigations, promote education on bicycling safety, and maintain ongoing contact with MC DoT and nearby bicycling organizations.
— Final Report of Washington Grove, Md. Shared Use Pathway Task Force Report p. 2