Building an Inclusive, Multimodal Future

The American Legion Bridge and 270 Corridor Program is dedicated to enhancing multimodal transportation facilities and elevating travel experiences across the American Legion Bridge and I-270 up to Frederick. Through equitable and long-awaited transportation solutions, our vision is to foster a future where improved travel options are accessible to all within the National Capital Region.

American Legion Bridge
American Legion Bridge
I-495 approaching the American Legion Bridge from Virginia
I-270 north of Clarksburg, Maryland
Woman in a yellow shirt and holding her cell phone while alertly standing in a bus.
Transit service parallel to the corridor
New bicycle and pedestrian access and connections

Missed our Open House?

Review our materials to learn more about the program.

Have Questions or Comments?

Past Open Houses

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

Monday, November 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cafeteria
4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814
Transit Accessible: WMATA Red Line, Bethesda Station; Metrobus Route J2; Ride On routes 29, 32, 34, 47, 70.

Transit and Ridesharing

Maryland will advance transit options and transportation demand management enhancements along the American Legion Bridge, I-495 and I-270 corridors. The program will implement strategies such as express bus options in Maryland and connections to Virginia, ridesharing incentives and parallel transportation improvements including MARC Brunswick Line enhancements and Bus Rapid Transit to create a better connected and more efficient transit network.

Transit-Oriented Development

The Maryland Department of Transportation will advance Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) opportunities throughout the corridors. Maryland has previously supported TOD planning and implementation efforts throughout the WMATA Metrorail system. As part of this program, Maryland will look to accelerate investment in key corridor TOD projects to unlock new developments that create sustainable and inclusive communities.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements

The Maryland Department of Transportation will work with communities to improve bicycle and pedestrian access and safety through new and upgraded connections for bicycles and pedestrians. This will support active transportation in the corridor and connect transit, rideshare, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian transportation. A key example is the shared-use path crossing the Potomac River on the American Legion Bridge connecting Maryland and Virginia trail networks and the C&O Canal towpath.

American Legion Bridge

Rebuilding the aged American Legion Bridge, which is a vital freight and passenger connection between Maryland and Virginia, is a top priority. While still safe, the bridge is approaching the end of its lifespan and it is not equipped to handle current traffic levels or reliable transit service, bicycles, and pedestrians. A modernized bridge will address a significant system preservation need and enhance the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services in the region.

Phased Approach to Managed Lanes

Implementation of managed lanes will be phased, with the American Legion Bridge, I-495 to the I-270 West Spur, and the I-270 West Spur being the focus for initial implementation. The section from the I-270 West Spur to I-370, including through the City of Rockville, will be addressed in a later phase. This phasing will allow for a rational and fiscally prudent phased development.

I-270 North Plan

Maryland will launch a formal environmental study to identify the transportation needs of I-270 North of the Intercounty Connector/MD 200, consider a range of concepts including transit and transportation demand management, and evaluate multimodal approaches for near-term implementation and construction.

Protecting our Environment

Will collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to protect our sensitive environmental and cultural resources.

Advancing Equity

Will provide equitable transportation solutions, good jobs for Marylanders, and build an inclusive multimodal future.

Engaging our Communities

Will engage the community to ensure this project is informed by you as it moves forward.