Takoma Park council hears updated Metropolitan Branch Trail design; city-sized segment budgeted at $1.8 million

Transit planner Kasey Ann Spence and consultant Emily Martin (RK&K) presented updated plans for Takoma Park’s portion of the Metropolitan Branch Trail, outlining a design that widens the existing path, adds continuous pedestrian-scale lighting and wayfinding signage, and improves crossings at Buffalo/Tacoma and Fenton/Tacoma.

The project limits run from the Eastern/Tacoma intersection, parallel Tacoma Avenue to Fenton Street, and continue up to the Montgomery College pedestrian overpass. The plan calls for an 11-foot (typical) trail section where feasible and a 3–4 foot buffer from traffic where possible to meet county breezeway standards and support side-by-side cycling and safe passing.

Consultants and staff described design trade-offs driven by the adjacent CSX right-of-way, which constrains widening in several locations. The presentation noted tree impacts identified in the 30% design were reduced roughly 12 percent through alignment adjustments (raising the trail profile, symmetric spur widening, relocating lighting to the CSX side) and tree-protection techniques such as root pruning and air spading.

An urban-forest accounting distinction emerged during Q&A: the consultant’s total tree-impact count (including small landscape and invasive specimens) was 130, while the city’s count of protected urban-forest trees to be removed is 66 (60 of those are 0–20 inch caliper; six are 20–40 inch caliper). Staff estimated tree-removal fees at about $42,000; officials said the precise fee allocation is still being finalized.

The plan includes on-site stormwater treatment measures (including permeable pavement within some existing parking spaces) intended to manage runoff without taking additional right-of-way. Presenters said long corridor lighting is a major cost driver alongside asphalt and earthwork; the current estimated construction cost for Takoma Park’s segment is about $1,800,000. Staff said the 60% design will be submitted next month, with 95% and final plans expected in early 2026, and that the city is continuing to pursue construction funding.

Councilmembers asked about light clearance for taller cyclists, historical-marker signage language (the sign will be relocated within project limits and the verbiage can be revisited), native planting and long-term maintenance, and how tree roots and pavement will coexist. Staff said the lighting will meet pedestrian-scale height requirements, sign wording can be subject to community review, native-planting choices will be vetted with Public Works, and the design uses raised profile and repaving as maintenance strategies where roots affect pavement.

Next steps include submission of 60% design plans, further coordination with CSX and Montgomery County, and continued community engagement as the city secures construction funding.