Transportation Engineering for Campus Relocation and Expansion
Description
Gorove Slade provided comprehensive transportation engineering services for The Diener School’s relocation and expansion in Bethesda, Maryland. The Diener School is an independent K-8 institution serving students with unique educational needs through multi-sensory, personalized instruction in a supportive community environment.
The relocation enabled the school to expand from 70 to 120 students, providing essential space for additional classrooms, recreation areas, specialized support spaces, and staff facilities needed for students with diverse learning challenges. While this may appear to be a modest expansion, our studies revealed potential transportation implications, especially considering the recent Road Diet implemented by Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) on Old Georgetown Road.
Our Role
Our engagement spanned the full entitlement process, from initial due diligence through project approval and opening:
Due Diligence & Planning
The Gorove Slade team conducted initial site assessments and transportation analysis to support the school’s relocation decision, working closely with stakeholders throughout the Special Exception and Preliminary Plan process. Drawing on our experience with similar projects, including the French International School’s Maplewood campus, we enhanced stakeholder engagement strategies to facilitate a collaborative approval process. This included proactive conversations with neighborhood leaders and a dedicated website for engagement with the community through the entitlement process.
Local Area Transportation Review (LATR)
Our team conducted a comprehensive LATR Traffic Study to assess the transportation impacts and ensure that the new campus would provide safe and efficient access for the school community. The study included:
- Site Access and Circulation Analysis – Assessed vehicular access points, internal circulation patterns, and drop-off/pick-up operations to accommodate daily student arrival and dismissal
- Speed Studies – Conducted field observations and speed analysis on surrounding roadways to establish baseline conditions and inform safety recommendations
- Multimodal Infrastructure Assessment – Identified existing deficiencies in pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities surrounding the school site
- Safety Evaluation – Analyzed potential conflicts and developed recommendations to create a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors
- Long-Term Planning – Ensured transportation infrastructure could support enrollment growth from 70 to 120 students over the coming decade
Project Outcomes
The Preliminary Plan received approval in July 2023, and the new campus opened on schedule in September 2024. Our transportation analysis and stakeholder coordination helped ensure a smooth approval process and successful project delivery.
Project Impact
The Diener School draws students from across the region based on their specialized educational requirements rather than geographic proximity. As such, vehicle-dependent travel patterns necessitated comprehensive transportation analysis and meticulous site planning to ensure safe, accessible, and efficient operations.
The new campus provides an expanded, purpose-built facility that better serves students, their families, and their educators. By addressing critical transportation elements during the planning and approval process, we helped The Diener School achieve its vision of providing an exceptional environment where every child can thrive.
Details
- Client: The Diener School
- Location: Bethesda, MD
- Land Use: Education
- Service Highlights: Initial site assessments and transportation analysis, Local Area Transportation Review (LATR)
Relevant Services
Studies
Entitlement
Operations
Planning
Design
Parking
Relevant Team Members
Katie Wagner
Principal
Maribel Donahue
Associate, Project Manager