Take Action Against the "Techway"!

We must make it clear that an Outer Beltway and a new bridge crossing are not priorities for people in this region. Please send a letter to the editor, a letter to your local officials, and/or call a radio show during their open comment period.

Sample messages are below. Feel free to add your own personal touch!

Invest in Metro, Not the Techway
Don't Be Fooled: Techway = Sprawl

Invest In Metro, Not the Techway

A "sprawlway" bridge across the Potomac River, through the Agricultural Reserve and through existing neighborhoods would dramatically reshape the environmental, economic and social character of this region. An Outer Beltway is not smarter growth: it is a tool for continued sprawl!

We all know that building highways won't solve our traffic problems. It is time for 21st century solutions: focusing new development along the spine of Metro and in town centers, expanding our transit system so major job centers like Tyson's Corner can be accessed and integrating our transportation and land use planning. Residents of the region want affordable, convenient access to jobs, shopping and services and we all desire a region where people want to live and businesses want to be located.

Don't Be Fooled: Techway = Sprawl

Supporters of the so-called "Techway" have made promises that the road will be a "parkway." The new road, however, will only create huge pressure to develop in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve. Let's not be fooled, a "parkway" is still a highway that will harm the Potomac River, the historic C&O Canal, parks, streams and wildlife areas on both sides of the river in addition to bringing new development to this sensitive area.

It is time to create a region with real travel choices that include biking, walking, transit and driving. There is solid evidence that linking responsible land use policies, transit systems and bike and pedestrian networks will bring substantial traffic relief and the creation of better communities.

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