AASHTO Journal - Maryland DOT Aiding Local Transit-Oriented Project

The Maryland Department of Transportation is providing assistance to a proposed transit-oriented life sciences center at the North Bethesda Metrorail Station in Montgomery County, MD, that will include housing, office, retail, and public spaces, as well as multimodal connections to public transportation.

[Above photo by WMATA]

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority or WMATA has issued a “request for qualifications” for a developer with experience creating “life science” hubs, which includes medical and bioresearch, health data research, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Once a developer is selected, WMATA said it will negotiate a joint development agreement allowing the developer to develop the 13.9-acre site. The project is anticipated to include approximately 2 to 3.7 million square feet of development.

Montgomery County has already secured $36.6 million in local, state, and federal funding for infrastructure supporting the project, including streets and utilities, public open spaces, and transit improvements. The county is also willing to work with the selected developer to address any other infrastructure needs.

Paul Wiedefeld, Maryland DOT secretary, noted in a statement that his agency will support the ongoing planning effort for the North Bethesda Joint Development Project.

“We stand united with Team Maryland in support of transit-oriented development because we know the many proven benefits it brings to our communities,” he said. “Creating dense, walkable, mixed-use development near transit stations will further connect Marylanders to jobs, housing, and other life opportunities.”

“Our ability to meet our full economic potential and climate and equity goals in Montgomery County hinges on our ability to activate strategically located land at Metro sites,” said Montgomery County Council President Andrew Friedson.

“The financial commitments and true collaboration among state, federal, and county partners with WMATA at the North Bethesda Metro is a major step towards realizing the type of thriving job for jobs, innovation, and quality of life for our families,” he noted.