Reader Note By Cheryl Kagan: At Long Last… The ICC!
Feb 24, 2011 7:00 - 1 Comment
After roughly five decades of discussing options and drawing routes… purchasing parcels of land and dealing with politics… rising costs and controversy… the Intercounty Connector (ICC) finally opened yesterday. As readers likely know, this east/west road will ultimately connect I-270 to I-95 and Route 1. It will make trips to BWI airport a breeze, and will link jobs and friends from across the state.
On Monday, Governor Martin O’Malley led the ribbon-cutting for the first segment of this road. This long overdue event, held in the bitter cold (with rain for good measure), was well-attended by current and former elected officials, business leaders, and long-time community members who have consistently supported this transportation improvement.
The significance of this long-awaited (and for some, long-dreaded) day was reflected by the presence of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who joined his Deputy, former MD Transportation Secretary John Porcari at the ceremony. Former Governor Bob Ehrlich, former County Executive Doug Duncan, and many former transportation, business, and legislative leaders were also in attendance. The Mayor, City Manager and entire City Council of Gaithersburg were there to celebrate; Rockville was represented by City Manager Scott Ullery. State Senate President Mike Miller asked local State Senator Jennie Forehand to represent him; Maryland House Speaker Mike Busch asked the same of Del. Kumar Barve.
What does the opening of the ICC- the new Route 200- mean to you? Check it out and see (best to do so before tolls kick in on March 7th). You’ll find it attractive, clean, and quick… and your taxes helped build it! I suspect we’ll all choose BWI as our airport more frequently now that it is so much easier and quicker to get there. Check out www.mtaiccbus.com for the details on the $5.00 trips that are scheduled hourly between the Shady Grove Metro station and the airport. Thanks to the ICC, it will be much easier to get to the airport without worrying about traffic or steep parking fees!
It will be interesting to see how many drivers choose the Intercounty Connector for their regular commute or for pleasure trips. The sticker shock of the tolls will certainly dissuade many of us, but transportation officials predict that the time savings will entice drivers onto the road. Remember that- just like Metro- the ICC uses time-sensitive pricing. Rush hour commuters (those using the road 6 -9am & 4-7pm on weekdays) will pay $1.45. It will be less expensive for off-peak hours ($1.15 from 5-6am, 9am-4pm and 7-11pm on weekdays, and 5am-11pm on weekends) and a bargain at 60 cents for the overnight hours of 11pm-5am.
I’ve heard from a number of people who hope their commutes will be quicker based on other people using the Intercounty Connector. It remains to be seen how many of us will become “those people” who will choose the ICC on a regular basis.
Cheryl Kagan served in the MD House of Delegates from 1995-2003 and supported the ICC throughout her tenure.
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Cheryl, thanks so much for the info on the $5 bus to BWI. I hadn’t heard of that yet and it does sound very helpful. I’m going to drive the ICC tomorrow - can’t wait!