Argyle Street Traffic Diversion Update
June 20, 2007

Project Update 06-20-07

It has been more than six months since two turn restrictions were implemented at W. Argyle St./Maryland Avenue and at E. Argyle St./S. Washington St. in October 2006, for the purpose of reducing traffic on Argyle Street.  We are pleased to report that the goals of the restrictions have been achieved.

The goals of the turn restrictions were to 1) reduce traffic volumes on Argyle Street to levels below thresholds which qualify the street for a traffic diversion plan based on the City's Neighborhood Traffic Control Guidelines; and 2) minimize the potential for major changes in traffic volumes on adjacent neighborhood streets.

In keeping with our commitment of last fall, after a few months had passed and drivers had time to adapt and develop new travel patterns, the City collected new traffic volume data on Argyle Street and surrounding streets.  These new traffic counts were conducted in March and April 2007. 

This spreadsheet shows traffic count data before and after implementation of the two turn restrictions.  The data for the new counts show that the goals have been achieved. Traffic volumes on Argyle Street have been reduced to a level below the threshold and total daily traffic volumes on surrounding streets in both directions remain well below (by at least 30%) the thresholds for traffic diversion.  It should be noted that the increase in the daily traffic leaving Courthouse Walk is not caused by cut-through traffic because this increase does not match any increase in the incoming traffic.  Also, changes during the AM and PM peak periods on both Lynn Manor Dr. and Lynn Manor Ct. were minimal.

City staff would like to thank all involved, including especially an expression of empathy to those who have been inconvenienced by this change and have had to change their driving habits.  If you have questions, feel free to contact Emad Elshafei, Chief of Traffic and Transportation Division, at (240) 314-8508 or eelshafei@rockvillemd.gov.