ATMS Control — Changeable Lane Use Signs (LUS) 

lane controlThere are two locations in Montgomery County, both in Silver Spring, where changeable Lane Use Signs (LUS) are used for reversible lane operations. The first LUS location is on Colesville Road (U.S. 29) (between Georgia Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway). It is a six lane facility with three lanes in each direction during the off-peak hours. In rush hour there are four lanes in the peak direction and two lanes in the other direction.

During the morning rush hours from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., there are four southbound lanes and two northbound lanes. During the evening rush hours from 4 to 7 p.m., there are four northbound lanes and two southbound lanes.

The second application of reversible lanes is on Georgia Avenue (MD 97) between 16th Street (MD 390) and Interstate 495. A center turn lane during off-peak hours is transformed to a through lane during peak hours. This additional through lane helps move traffic in the heavier direction.

The off-peak operation on Georgia Avenue is three lanes in each direction with one continuous center lane for left turning traffic. During the morning peak hours from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., there are four southbound lanes (inbound to Silver Spring), three northbound lanes (outbound from Silver Spring), and left turns are not permitted. During the evening peak hours from 4 to 7 p.m., there are four northbound lanes (outbound), three southbound lanes (inbound), and left turns are not permitted.

Another application of changeable LUSs in the County is to provide variable lane use and turn restrictions at intersection approaches during specific times of day. The County plans to use more of the LUS for turn lane control and signing and to have LUSs respond to actual demand on a real-time basis.

BENEFITS:

  • Increases roadway capacity in the peak hour direction without constructing additional lanes
  • Maximizes the utilization of roadways