Delegate Rich Madaleno, candidate for State Senator
In favor of tunnel

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Website: http://richardmadaleno.com

"Thank you for your recent letter regarding the intersection of
Georgia Avenue and Forest Glen Road. As you well know, this
intersection was identified as the most congested intersection in
Montgomery County by the 2006 Highway Mobility Report. I am very
aware of the problems at this intersection and want to let you know
what I have been doing to try to resolve this situation.

Earlier this year, I contacted the State Highway Administration (SHA)
on behalf of the entire District 18 legislative team ... asking the
agency's assistance in constructing a tunneled entrance to the Forest
Glen Metro Station from the eastside of Georgia Avenue, pointing out
the substantial safety improvements that such a tunnel would
provide. The response stated that SHA staff had concluded, after
conferring with county officials, that the proposed tunnel was not
high on the County's list of transportation priorities since it did
not appear on the County's most recent priority letter. Therefore, I
have been in touch with members of the County Council, as well as the
Director of the county's Department of Public Works and
Transportation, requesting that the Council make known its interest
in improving this dangerous intersection by including the pedestrian
tunnel in its next priorities list.

...In fact, I raise this subject with the State Highway
Administrator and the Secretary of Transportation every time we see
each other. I share your frustration over the situation and assure
you that, along with my colleagues, I will continue to push for a
pedestrian tunnel as well as other short-term improvements...

Again, I appreciate your letter and your concerns and I will keep in
touch with you about developments as I receive additional information."