Update: 6 p.m.

“I am very happy to announce that there was a breakthrough during the evening rush hour today in our efforts to repair the County’s traffic signal computer.  Engineers have isolated the problem and have been successful in reestablishing the connection between the computer and the traffic signals, with the result that most of the intersection signals are now responding to our commands. 

“The system is fixed, but we continue to work on individual signals that are not consistently responding. We will continue to monitor it throughout the evening and overnight but we anticipate that tomorrow morning’s rush hour will be much smoother.

“To continue to assist commuters, Ride On buses will be free again on Friday.   

“For the longer term, I have directed staff to provide me with a plan as to how we can accelerate my ongoing $35 million project to upgrade and modernize our traffic management system.

“I appreciate the patience of our residents and commuters: I know it has been a rough couple of days in Montgomery County.  I know because I’ve been stuck in traffic too.

“And, I especially want to thank Montgomery County’s dedicated and talented workforce, and especially our traffic engineers and technicians.  They have made an incredible effort and worked tirelessly 24/7 since this problem occurred to get it resolved.”