City Receives Funding for Russell Ave. Improvements Project

The City of Gaithersburg was awarded $1,000,000 in direct federal funding for the Russell Avenue Multimodal and Streetscape Improvements project. Funds will update Russell Avenue to better connect Olde Towne Gaithersburg with new mixed-use development, accommodate a future Flash Bus Rapid Transit Route and expanded county transit center, and create a park boulevard to spur economic activity between Odendhal and Montgomery Village Avenues.

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Representative David Trone (all D-Md.) requested and secured the funding for the project within a six-bill package of fiscal year 2024 funding bills passed by Congress and signed by President Biden earlier this month.

"The City of Gaithersburg's plan for reimagining Russell Avenue will expand access to local public transit, provide more community recreation space, and ultimately spur greater economic opportunity. We fought for this funding to help make that vision a reality," said Senator Van Hollen. "With this direct federal investment, Gaithersburg can enhance connectivity, accessibility, and the overall quality of life for the community."

"All Marylanders deserve accessible communities, and this transportation investment will make neighborhoods in Gaithersburg safer and more walkable. Improvements along Russell Avenue will not only expand connectivity and opportunity across the city, but also help the state meet its climate goals. Together, Team Maryland is getting the job done and advancing community-led projects that meet the needs of all residents," said Senator Cardin.

"Funding this project will allow the City to convert Russell Avenue from a car-centric, wide road to a pedestrian-friendly corridor," said Mayor Jud Ashman. "This will improve traffic flow and make Russell Avenue safer for City and County residents. I appreciate the efforts of our City Council and staff to get us to this place, and I am equally appreciative of Senators Van Hollen and Cardin for this important investment in the City of Gaithersburg."