Thanks to a $1 million federal Community Project Funding grant, Russell Avenue by the Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg will be reworked to be safer and more pedestrian friendly.
Monday, U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-6) presented a giant check toward the roadwork. Construction is expected to being in June of 2025.
“This project is just going to knock the socks off of Montgomery County,” Trone said.
About 1.4 miles of Russell Avenue from Montgomery Village Avenue to East Diamond Avenue will be reconstructed and will carry a reduced speed limit. The improved roadway is designed to connect Old Town Gaithersburg to the redevelopment area that once was home to a vibrant mall.
The road improvements are part of the Gaithersburg’s plans to convert the former enclosed shopping center into an area that includes 1,600 housing units, 750,000 square feet of employment uses, 250,000 square feet of large format retail and 220,000 square feet of commercial uses.
“What you are seeing right here, happening right now, is essentially, it is a renaissance for this part of the city,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman.
🚧Exciting news for Gaithersburg!🚧
Today, @RepDavidTrone presented $1M in federal funding for the Russell Ave. Multimodal & Streetscape Improvements project! 🙌 This will help better connect Olde Towne /w the Lakeforest District. 🌳🏙️ pic.twitter.com/VfRsM1shE1— City of Gaithersburg (@GburgMD) October 21, 2024
Gaithersburg officials discussed plans for the Lake Forest mall site and accepted a $1 million check from Rep. Trone to improve Russell Avenue Monday @mymcmedia @GburgMD @RepDavidTrone pic.twitter.com/hc3z5t7jZm
— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) October 21, 2024
Gaithersburg officials gather Monday morning to discuss future plans for Lake Forest mall and receive $1 million check from Rep. Trone @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/NDewpUlWEv
— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) October 21, 2024
