Ownership Terms of Rt. 410 to Be Discussed at City Council Meeting

The Takoma Park City Council will once again take up the issue of ownership of Rt. 410 along Philadelphia Avenue and Ethan Allen Avenue.

In case you've forgotten, the State Highway Administration came to the conclusion that, after 54 years of assumed state ownership, the city actually owned 410 in Takoma Park, not the state. So the SHA offered a deal to take over ownership and fix up the road, which has been in disrepair for years.

In several public meetings, to speak in favor of the city keeping ownership of 410.

Monday's meeting will feature six provisions that the city council wants if it is to give up ownership to the state.

1. Controls are put in place so SHA cannot expand 410 in Takoma Park.

2. SHA would be responsible for daily and long-term maintenance. 

3. Location and design of pedestrian facilities be dictated by the city.

4. Permits for right of way to be dictated by the city.

5. Specifications for signage are adopted that allow for smaller sign size and font size that are more appropriate for the narrow right-of-way and slower speeds on that segment of 410.

6. City and SHA work together on signal timing issues and pavement markings.