Mead & Hunt co-led a planning and environmental linkages (PEL) evaluation of the proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along an 18.7-mile corridor of MD 5/US 301 from Branch Avenue Metrorail Station to White Plains, Maryland. The study evaluated LRT and BRT alternatives, assessing ridership, environmental impacts, community acceptance, economic development potential, and project costs to identify a locally preferred alternative.
Mead & Hunt led the development and refinement of potential alignments, evaluating both at-grade and grade-separated options while addressing major corridor constraints. The team also examined how the potential alternatives could impact connections to regional destinations including Joint Base Andrews, Southern Maryland Hospital, and planned transit-oriented development areas.
The study also included station planning for 13 locations. The team evaluated pedestrian and bicycle access, parking demand, urban design, bus connections, and development opportunities. Using Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Simplified Trips-on-Project Software (STOPS) modeling and VISSIM analysis, Mead & Hunt developed ridership forecasts and assessed traffic operations and travel time impacts.
Public engagement was also key throughout the study. Through project websites, open houses, and digital outreach, Mead & Hunt helped gather community input to help inform decisions.
