(November 21, 2014) – To enhance pedestrian and traffic safety, revitalize neighborhoods and meet the transportation needs of communities, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is starting a $10.6 million “streetscape” project along on a one-mile section of MD 500 (Queens Chapel Road) in the City of Hyattsville in Prince George’s County.  The project involves enhancing pedestrian safety by making sidewalk, crosswalk and pedestrian signal improvements, adding bike lanes and converting an existing painted median into a landscaped median from MD 208 (Hamilton Street) to MD 410 (East West Highway).

To improve intersection operations, crews also will install a double-left turn movement from northbound MD 500 onto Belcrest Road.  The State Highway Administration (SHA) will provide new and upgraded sidewalks, traffic and pedestrian signals with audible pedestrian and countdown signals.  Bicycle-compatible lanes also will be built along the outside travel lanes of MD 500.

Other improvements include pedestrian lighting and pavement resurfacing within the project limits. Currently, 23,550 vehicles travel this section of Queens Chapel Road each day, with traffic projected to increase to 31,200 vehicles per day by 2030.

Crews are working on curb and gutter construction on Queens Chapel Road within the project limits.  Crews are permitted to work between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights.  SHA awarded the contract to Ardent Company, LLC of McClean, Va.  The entire project should be complete by late fall 2016, weather permitting.

Pedestrians are encouraged to follow signs directing them to safe crossings within the project limits. SHA may use electronic message boards, construction cones, barrels, arrow boards and a flagging operation to direct motorists through the work zone.

As crews work to keep work zones safe, 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.