Our Approach
Straughan provided multidisciplinary environmental planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) support for the MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project, a 15.6-mile transit corridor extending from the Rockville Metro Station to the Germantown Transit Center and Milestone Park & Ride in Montgomery County, Maryland. The project includes dedicated BRT lanes, ADA-accessible stations, and transit signal priority improvements designed to enhance transit reliability, improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide a high-quality alternative to automobile travel along one of the County’s busiest transportation corridors.
As part of the Categorical Exclusion (CE) process and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) process, Straughan conducted comprehensive noise and vibration studies in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidance. Services included traffic, rail, and construction noise analyses; future build and no-build condition evaluations using the FHWA Traffic Noise Model; and vibration assessments at sensitive receptors along the corridor. Straughan also supported the preparation of Draft and Final Section 4(f) evaluations for cultural resources and historic properties, including assessments of potential impacts, avoidance and minimization measures, and regulatory documentation required to support federal decision-making.
Straughan provided cultural and natural resource support within an area of expanded LOD, completing wetland delineations, project effects assessment under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and documenting and addressing cultural resource concerns expressed by Section 106 stakeholders. Straughan updated Rare Threatened and Endangered Species coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
In addition, Straughan provided hazardous materials support throughout the corridor. Services included GIS-based mapping, field reconnaissance, environmental records review, impact assessments, and preparation of documentation for incorporation into the Categorical Exclusion. Through technical analysis, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance support, Straughan helped advance this major transit investment while addressing complex environmental considerations throughout the NEPA process.
