Official: SHA to study 2 deadly Montgomery Co. roadways

BETHESDA, Md. — In a letter to Montgomery County leaders, Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation said the State Highway Administration will study what can be done to make two area roadways safer.

Bethesda Beat reports that transportation secretary Pete Rahn sent a letter to Montgomery County Council Member Roger Berliner and state lawmakers on June 20, explaining that SHA will collect traffic data in the areas where two residents were killed in the past year.

The 90-day study period will include analyzing crash data over the past three years, a review of traffic control devices and traffic and pedestrian counts, according to Bethesda Beat.

The deaths of former Navy SEAL Tim Holden and 95-year-old Marge Wydro led to a “Day of Action” in November, where county residents protested, demanding changes to sections of River Road and Massachusetts Avenue. Residents who live in the neighborhood complained that drivers speed, text while driving and ignore pedestrians in crosswalks in the area.

Tim Holden, a Bethesda resident, was killed when he was struck while riding his bike on Massachusetts Avenue near Goldsboro Road on August 28. Marge Wydro, who lived on Springfield Drive, was killed when she was trying to cross River Road near Kenwood Country Club October 21.

Kate Ryan

As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.

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