New lane striping and a new bike lane have resulted in a new traffic pattern for Woodmont Avenue between Norfolk Avenue and Old Georgetown Road in downtown Bethesda. An unprotected bike lane - which is actually more of a bikeway, as it has two lanes allowing for two-way bike travel with a yellow line in the center - and a striped divider that runs parallel to it, replace the right travel lane on the west side of the street. What was the center through lane on Woodmont at the Old Georgetown intersection heading towards Bethesda Row is now the right turn lane. The left through lane is now the only lane at that intersection that allows you to continue on Woodmont past Old Georgetown towards Bethesda Row.
Left turns are still not allowed onto the one-way segment of Old Georgetown between Woodmont and Wisconsin Avenue. Street parking in front of the Lionsgate condos, Black's Bar + Kitchen, etc., is now gone. Meters are still in place but display a message that parking is not allowed.
It sounds more confusing in text form than it is in real life. For now, simply approach the block and intersection with caution until you adjust to the new configuration, and watch for bikes on your passenger side when making a right onto Old Georgetown. There will soon be a mid-block traffic signal governing the crosswalk between the new Marriott hotel and the Woodmont Corner garage across the street.
Less parking, more traffic signals, fewer lanes of travel --it all sounds delightful.
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