August 2026 - Bethesda Mobility Solutions Newsletter

August 2026

Metro Red Line Work Continues

A portion of Metro’s Red Line has been shut down since July 6 to enable major construction work. Trains are not running in either direction between the North Bethesda and Friendship Heights stations. Riders cannot access trains at the Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center and Bethesda stations. This closure is expected to end by September 6.

Free Shuttle Buses Replace Trains

Free shuttle buses are running during Metrorail’s operating hours.

Express bus service operates in both directions between the North Bethesda and Friendship Heights stations.
Local bus service runs between the North Bethesda, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, Bethesda and Friendship Heights stations.
The Maryland State Highway Administration installed special bus lanes at strategic locations along MD 355 to help the flow.
The shuttle bus stops are on MD 355, in front of each Metro station.
You are not permitted to travel along or stop a vehicle in the bus lanes. This is being enforced.

Consider Your Options

Allow extra travel time. Consider your mobility options. (Thanks to Commuter Connections’ Guaranteed Ride Home program, you can leave your car at home and use alternative transportation.)

Take the Bus: Metro’s shuttle buses are free. Ride On buses and the Bethesda Circulator are free year-round. There is a new express shuttle from Glenmont Metro to Shady Grove Metro.
Carpool or Vanpool: Commuting in a carpool or vanpool will not only make your trip less stressful, you’ll also be helping reduce traffic.
Walk/Bike: If your workplace is within walking or cycling distance of your home, this may be your best commute option. Bethesda has several paved trails to make your commute easier.
Telework: Employers often offer telework and flexwork options. Modifying the RTO policies minimizes disruption to work operations while helping employees — and the community.
Commuter Bus: Live far from Bethesda? Check out commuter bus services from the Maryland Transit Administration and the Fairfax Connector.

Why It’s Happening

The Red Line closure allows work to proceed on:

Construction of a second mezzanine at the Bethesda station to integrate the MTA Purple Line.
Rehabilitation of the platform at Grosvenor-Strathmore.
Replacement of the raised railway across Rockville Pike between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center.

Further Assistance

Call Metro at 202-GO-METRO (202-466-3876), or contact Kristen Blackmon at BTS, kblackmon@bethesda.org or 301-656-0868 Ext. 119.

Stop by the BTS Tent on August 4

BTS will have a tent at the Bethesda National Night Out event on August 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Norfolk Avenue in Bethesda. Our staff will be there to answer your questions about getting to and around Bethesda. We will also have great prizes!

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Come out to meet the officers of the 2nd District Police Station, the B-CC Rescue Squad, Bethesda Chevy-Chase Services and the Bethesda Fire Department.

Food and entertainment participants include:

Olazzo
Carmen’s Italian Ice
Live music from Avenue66
Mini Golf
Quad Shot Basketball
Face Painting
Balloon Animals
Crafts and activities from Bach to Rock, Emma’s Art Studio, Encrypted Escape, and Kidcreate Studio

Kids and adults alike can tour fire trucks and ambulances, enjoy live music, and play free carnival games! We hope to see you there tomorrow evening!

WSSC Project Closes Part of Woodmont Avenue

WSSC Water started work on a 54-inch Large Valve Vault Replacement Project in downtown Bethesda, which requires a temporary road closure of a portion of Woodmont Avenue. Starting July 20, 2026, Woodmont Avenue has been closed between Wisconsin Avenue and Strathmore Street. The closure is expected to remain in place through November 2, 2026, weather permitting.

During the closure:

Woodmont Avenue is closed to traffic between Wisconsin Avenue and Strathmore Street.
Access is maintained for local business deliveries and residents.
Clear detour signs are posted to guide motorists along alternate routes.
The Bethesda Circulator route is detoured slightly, by turning on Bethesda Avenue and then continuing on Wisconsin Avenue. The Circulator stop on Woodmont Avenue near Leland Street is temporarily closed. The closest stop is at Woodmont Avenue and Bethesda Avenue.

For questions regarding traffic detours, please contact Montgomery County Traffic Operations at 240-777-2190. The On-Site Inspector is Andrew Burley, 240-484-0141, Andrew.Burley@wsscwater.com and the WSSC Water Technical Contract Supervisor is Mike Krempel, 240-848-2418, Mike.Krempel@wsscwater.com.

Speed limits have been reduced in the County. Take a look at the map and please drive slower.
The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair will run August 14 through August 22.
The County is seeking applicants for the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board.
Have some free time? Consider volunteering with Montgomery Parks.
Bicycle Classes will resume this October. Fall dates and a registration link will be posted soon.
Walktober is happening again! More about that next month.

Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

7700 Old Georgetown Road | Bethesda, MD 20814 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.

Subscribe to our email list.