The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is shutting down select roads to motor vehicle traffic so restaurants can use the space for dining.

Since eateries can’t use their indoor space until Phase 2 of reopening, many want to use the additional outdoor street space for customers.

The changes go into effect in the downtown Bethesda areas today. These streets will close to traffic every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.:

• Norfolk Avenue, between St. Elmo and Cordell avenues
• Norfolk Avenue, between Cordell and Del Ray avenues
• Woodmont Avenue, between Elm Street and Bethesda Avenue
• Veterans Park, corner of Norfolk and Woodmont avenues
• Cordell Avenue, between the parking garage near Old Georgetown Road and Triangle Towers will only be open Wednesdays to Sundays from 4-10 p.m.

The Bethesda Urban Partnership says the “Bethesda Streetery” will be set up as open seating, with all tables placed at least 6 feet apart and a limit of four people per table. “Restaurant patrons are invited to dine within this open-air area after picking up food and beverages from a nearby restaurant. Tables will be cleaned after each use,” the Partnership says on its website.

Local restaurants in the county can request similar treatment via this form.

“MCDOT understands that our public rights of way are a key resource for residents and businesses, and that the best use of those spaces may shift under changing circumstances,” MCDOT Director Chris Conklin said in a statement. “In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, I have directed our planners and engineers to think creatively about how we can adjust the use of our streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities to best serve today’s needs.”

MCDOT is also launching a “Shared Streets” program similar to D.C.’s “Slow Streets” program, which seeks to adapt streets and sidewalks for present pandemic-era needs.

The department hopes to find more locations for retail pickup, outdoor restaurant space and social activity. Conklin pointed out areas where pedestrian volumes are high and space is limited. That could include closing on lane or more for neighborhood recreation or closing on-street parking for retail or dining activity.

Rockville closed Gibbs Street in Rockville Town Center on June 5, and more changes are coming to Silver Spring and Wheaton on Friday, though details on those aren’t yet available.

Additional changes may be coming soon, MCDOT officials say.

Residents and businesses can fill out surveys on the issue, or you can send suggestions to MCDOT.SharedStreets@montgomerycountymd.gov.

This story originally appeared on WAMU.