MD 500 sign
$23.1 Million Project Includes Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Enhancements in Hyattsville and Mount Rainier
(December 12, 2023) –The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has completed a $23.1 million project to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists traveling along MD 500 (Queens Chapel Road) between MD 208 (Hamilton Road) and Eastern Avenue (Washington, D.C. line) in Hyattsville and Mount Rainier.
This project addresses operation and safety throughout the corridor while supporting current and future economic development in Hyattsville and Mount Rainier. Some of the improvements included modifying and reconstructing traffic signals and signage along Queens Chapel Road, adding bicycle-compatible lanes and shoulders and installing new sidewalks and curbs and gutters compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“The improvements along MD 500 benefit motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and everyone who uses this roadway,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We appreciate the partnership with the community and local officials to accomplish an important project that improves mobility and adds to the quality of life for residents.”
“The safety, accessibility and operational improvements completed along this corridor will support the economic development of the Hyattsville and Mount Rainier as both communities continue to grow,” said State Highway Administrator William Pines.
The project included:
- reconstructing and widening the roadway along Queens Chapel Road;
- adding a full traffic signal to the intersection of Russell Avenue and Queens Chapel Road;
- installing a pedestrian signal at Queens Chapel Road and the Northwest Branch trail crossing;
- improving sidewalk ramps, crosswalks, driveway entrances and pedestrian signals;
- installing concrete medians to provide pedestrian refuge and traffic calming;
- improving drainage system and storm water management facilities;
- landscaping improvements; and
- installing LED pedestrian lighting within the city limits of Hyattsville.
In addition, the speed limit was lowered on Queens Chapel Road from 35 mph to 30 mph between the District of Columbia Line and Hamilton Street.
Completed crosswalk improvements at MD 500 and Hamilton Street. SHA photo
The 1.2-mile-long project was completed by State Highway Administration’s contractor Ardent Company LLC, of McLean, Va. More details on the project can be found
here on the project’s portal page.
For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to
Project Portal, or visit the homepage at
roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to
md511.maryland.gov.