A controversial extended closure of a segment of Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda that was delayed earlier this summer is now back on for July 20, 2026. Water utility WSSC announced today that the portion of Woodmont between Strathmore Street and Wisconsin Avenue will remain closed through early November. The closure was deemed necessary to replace a 54" large valve vault below the street. Vehicular and delivery access will be maintained for the Solaire Bethesda apartments, and the Prenuvo Bethesda medical imaging facility.
Detour signs will be posted to guide drivers around the closure. The blockading of the secondary north-south route through downtown Bethesda will have a significant impact on traffic during July and August, due to the loss of two travel lanes on Wisconsin that are restricted to buses during the closure of three Red Line Metro stations this summer. WSSC notes that the closure could extend beyond early November if the area should experience long periods of disruptive weather.
6 comments:
No explanation of why it is controversial.
I also received a email notice that the corner of Woodmont and Bethesda will be under construction for a water main relocation as part of the Purple Line construction. One of the last utility projects necessary for the light rail. I think it will just block the sidewalk near the construction staging area, staring in or around July 20.
@7:39 It's controversial because it's going to make Bethesda traffic rival that of downtown Mexico City. When the bus-only lanes on Wisconsin Avenue have already claimed one-third the travel capacity along that thoroughfare, blocking entirely the alternate north-south route seems a less than ideal modification. Hence, "controversial." Nobody is suggesting WSSC doesn't need to do the work. We're only pointing out it's going to be Armageddon getting around town.
On a related note, it's a real joy to see the buses, chartered by Metro to replace Redline service through Bethesda, using lanes OTHER than the one reserved exclusively for them. I have seen as many of those yellow charters driving along the two "regular" travel lanes as I have witnessed availing themselves of the exclusive, bus-only space. The other day, stopped at Nicholson and the Pike, I honked at one of the drivers, pointing with my arm out the window to the reserved lane. His reply? Honk back at me and continue rolling along in the regular lane, jamming up traffic even further.
Heckofajob, WMATA.
I totally forgot Mon Ami took over True Food's space
"Controversial"? It's one road. Go around.
What happens to the route of the Bethesda Circulator bus?
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