MCDOT to make more Westbard Ave. changes in Bethesda

MCDOT rendering of new traffic
island on Westbard Ave. at River Road

Redevelopment of the commercial properties has not begun on Westbard Avenue in Bethesda, but more changes are on the way for the block between Ridgefield Road and River Road. Recently, a ban on left turns from Westbard onto River Road was put in place. Now the Montgomery County Department of Transportation is planning to implement additional changes at the request of homeowners on the block.

A traffic island will be constructed at the end of Westbard at River that will attempt to discourage drivers from trying to ignore the ban on left turns there. Similar to Sangamore Road, a white line will be painted along that block to create a 10' single lane for vehicles in each direction. Finally, a new "No Stopping" restriction will be placed near the dedicated right turn lane on Westbard. This appears to be an attempt to discourage delivery trucks from blocking that turning lane.