February 11, 2021 Update:
We've received word from the County that they are very close to beginning construction on the traffic circle at the intersection of Newport Mill and Denfeld that we discussed and voted to approve back in August 2019. In fact, when you drive past you can now see that stakes have been put into the ground in the area.
The tentative start date for the project is 2/22/2021. Weather permitting and subject to COVID impacts, the work is expected to take between 3 - 6 months.
Below is (1) an informative letter from Devang Dave, ISI Projects Manager, Division of Traffic Engineering & Operations at the Department of Transportation, (2) new parking restrictions that will be in place on approach to the circle, and (3) a final engineering schematic of the circle.
You are free to contact Devang via email at trafficops@montgomerycountymd.gov and make sure "Attention: Devang Dave" is in the subject line if you have questions. You may also reach out to me through the RCPCA email address at rockcpca@gmail.com
Besides the obvious disruption to traffic heading through the circle as its being built and the new parking restrictions shown in the below document, properties immediately abutting will be affected in a few ways.
First, the County indicated that some grass and dirt next to the sidewalks will need to be disturbed since the sidewalks will be replaced and there is some grading associated with this. They assured us that seed and straw will be put down to regrow the disturbed areas.
Second, several driveway entrances will need to be reconstructed. Some of the impacted resident have already been notified and/or been in discussions with the county about these changes.
Letter from Devang Dave (PDF)
Update: Please see notes from the May 22nd MCDOT presentation meeting, located under “meetings” tab.
Team
Chris C.
Micha B.
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The county has provided a concept plan for a traffic circle at Newport Mill Rd. and Denfeld Ave. This was a result of repeated inquiries about how we can make this intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. This intersection has experienced numerous accidents resulting in personal property damage as well as county property. In addition, the bend on Newport Mill leads to a straightaway cars often speed down to make the light at University Blvd.
Our goals are to protect our residents by slowing down the traffic passing through our neighborhood. We would like the plans to provide clear and easily visible signage allowing cars to pass through at a safe speed while giving pedestrians the confidence they can cross this intersection without fear.
5/29/2019: The county has added a new pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection of Newport Mill Rd & Lawrence Ave!
