Maryland adds 'Not Sure' lanes on Georgia Avenue

The Maryland State Highway Administration has added "Not Sure" lanes adjacent to newly created bus-only lanes that straddle bike lanes spanning nearly seven miles of Georgia Avenue near the Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton, and Glenmont Metro Red Line stations.

The Not Sure lanes are dedicated to drivers attempting to make right turns into parking lots, driveways and intersecting roads who are not sure how, when, or if, to cross through the bus-only lanes to get there.

Drivers using Not Sure lanes may inch forward or come to a complete stop for up to three minutes to look around to see what other drivers are doing, ask Google for advice, call a friend, or check Waze. Drivers at a full stop in a Not Sure lane may attempt to merge through the bus-only lane, change their mind, and try again after advancing at least one car’s length. Turn signals are optional in Not Sure lanes.

The Not Sure Lanes operate 24/7 to eliminate driver distraction trying to read signage listing the bus-only lane hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The MD 97 Not Sure Lane Fact Sheet outlines the options for standing, using hazard lights, and driving erratically.

“Not Sure lanes provide additional convenience and safety for those in our community who can afford parking at Metro station garages,” said State Highway Administrator Layne Gridlock. “By adding Not Sure lanes, we will provide those benefits and still have a single remaining lane intended for through traffic."

According to SHA, the Georgia Avenue bus lanes increased bus speeds by 32 percent and reliability by 18 percent. In comparison, average car and truck speeds dropped 8 to 12 percent during rush hours. That was before federal workers were called back to the office. Gridlock says SHA is not sure how Not Sure lanes will impact those figures now.