This is the fifth project on my 12-item Christmas
wish list for DC biking projects.
#5 Connecting the North Bethesda Trail to the CCT
Cost:Unknown
Status: #6 Priority of MCBAG, DPWT working on Trail improvements this winter, plans approved
Probability: high
With work beginning this past November on part of the North Bethesda Trail between 270 and 495 along Fleming Road, and improvements (albeit controversial) being planned for Norfolk Road, not much is needed to complete the 2.1 mile connection between the North Bethesda Trail and the Capitol Crescent Trail - arguably the regions premiere trail.
Bike lanes are planned for Exeter, Norfolk Avenue and Woodmont Avenue with a bikeway through Battery Lane Park, and a shared use "North Bethesda Trail-NIH Connector" path from Battery Lane to the end of the North Bethesda Trail along Ceder Lane. In fact, the only hold up seems to be NIH which plans on building a security fence that will thwart the trail. WABA and the county have tried to intercede, but I'm not sure how that's going.
Addendum: Since I wrote this, I've ridden up here again. Here's what I know. NIH built their fence and a trail along the south side of the fence. So you can get from Norfolk to the NBT on trail and sidewalk, but it ain't pretty. They still need to improve the connection from NBT to NIH and add some signs guiding you from one to the other.
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