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Rockville candidates weigh bridge, connector and bike-trail options to address traffic
Summary
Candidates discussed long‑standing proposals for a West End connector/bridge, a bike trail and bus stops to manage traffic into Rockville; views differed on funding burdens and use of state, county or grant sources.
Traffic, a proposed West End connector/bridge and a planned bike trail drew repeated attention at the Rockville candidates forum. Candidates described existing proposals and said funding and intergovernmental coordination will determine whether projects move forward.
Mayor Leach described land obtained years ago for a West End connector corridor and said she has discussed funding with county officials and UDOT: "We did obtain land...for the connector corridor on the West end of town. It is something I have had conversations with the county, with UDOT. We've been looking for funding." She linked the connector to anticipated shifts in oversized vehicle routes and growing bus traffic when a park tunnel restriction takes effect.
Several candidates said they support a new bridge to relieve congestion on Bridge Road but opposed placing the entire funding burden on new construction south of the river. "I don't think it's fair to put all the burden on our new neighbors," candidate Skyler Davis said, while others recommended pursuing state and county grants and partnership funding.
On multimodal options, candidates noted a bike trail is under environmental review and that SunTrans had proposed adding a bus stop; one candidate said they learned about the bike trail and bus proposals at a regional Transportation Expo and urged more town engagement in such planning efforts.
Why it matters: Rockville faces increased visitation and heavy traffic related to nearby park destinations; connector and multimodal projects could alter traffic patterns and parking demands, and would require coordination with county and state agencies.
Clarifying details: speakers said the bike trail is "in the environmental processing stage," the town has previously acquired land for a West End connector, and parking and bus stop planning are being discussed in neighboring jurisdictions. No project timelines or funding commitments were presented at the forum.
Next steps: candidates favored pursuing grants and state/county partnerships rather than placing major cost burdens solely on new local development.
