Politicians Call for More Changes to Already-Reduced Beltway Widening Plans
While several local and state officials praised the state’s decision to not widen the Beltway at the 270-495 spur through Chevy Chase and Silver Spring, they also called for more changes to the state’s latest proposal to reduce traffic congestion along the Beltway.
County Executive Marc Elrich applauded the decision not to widen 495 east of Old Georgetown Road, noting it officially ends fears by the residents and businesses that could have been displaced or negatively impacted by the project.
Under the most recent plans, a new American Legion Bridge and two high occupancy toll lanes in each direction from the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia to east Maryland 187 on 495 would be built, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation. On 270, from 495 north of 370 and on the one 270 eastern spur from 187 to 270, there will be one high occupancy toll lane added in each direction.