(November 13, 2014) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a major drainage improvement project on a half-mile section of
US 1 (Baltimore Avenue) between Ammendale Road and Ritz Way in Prince George’s County. This section of US 1 is located in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding during heavy rain storms. The frequent flooding has caused SHA to close the entire or sections of the road approximately ten times annually. The $10 million project should be complete spring 2016, weather permitting.
“US 1 is a critical north-south link and when closed for flooding, adds extra traffic to local roadways in Laurel, creating significant delays for commuters,” said SHA District Engineer Brian Young. “When the project is completed, the roadway will not flood as easily, which improves motorist safety and will greatly reduce weather-related congestion.”
(SHA Photo/US 1 Flooded Following a Heavy Rain.)
A major component of the project includes replacing an aging culvert pipe that carries a tributary to Indian Creek under US 1 with a new bridge. The bridge will enable a greater flow of water underneath, diminishing the chances for flooding. Other work on the project includes:
• Raising the profile of the road up to four feet in the project limits;
• Adding ten new storm drain inlets to enhance roadway drainage;
• Upgrading existing drainage pipes under US 1; and
• Resurface and restripe the highway.
Additionally, SHA and its contractor, Concrete General of Gaithersburg, will reconstruct the existing hiker/biker trail that is parallel to US 1 and widen it from eight feet to ten feet, as well as raise the height of the trail to match US 1 and reduce flooding.
(SHA Photo/Culvert that will be replaced with a bridge.)
During construction, motorists should expect single lane closures Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Sunday through Thursdays from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Additionally, Ammendale Road will largely be closed throughout construction and detoured to Ritz Way, which is less than a one mile detour. Approximately 40,000 vehicles travel along US 1 between Ritz Way and Ammendale Road so motorists should plan extra travel time.
While SHA and its partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert – look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don't follow too closely. Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For everyone!
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