SUITLAND, MD (June 14, 2012) – Demonstrating the importance of transportation to Maryland’s communities, Governor Martin O’Malley today announced $8.1 million in funding to continue moving forward with access improvements at the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Prince George’s County.  This investment funds the relocation of utilities required to eventually build a four-lane roadway connecting MD 5 to the Branch Avenue Station.   When completed, the project will reduce traffic congestion and enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

 

“This funding reflects an investment in the future of Prince George’s County,” said Governor O’Malley. “Today, there is no direct access from MD 5 to the Metrorail Station.  Our goal is to make it easier to get to Metro from the busy MD 5 corridor. A stronger, safer link between the two will help people get to work, enhance economic development in the county and support the men and women of our Armed Forces based nearby at Joint Base Andrews.”

 

Funding for utility work helps fuel the second phase of the MD 5 Branch Avenue Metro Access Project.  The first phase of improvements included a new ramp at the I-95/MD 5 interchange that opened to traffic fall 2008.

 

“Funding for this aspect of the project is another excellent example of how cooperatively working with our elected and appointed leaders in Annapolis pays dividends for the citizens of Prince George’s County,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III.  “The funding will help to move this very needed project one step closer to the full realization of the vision for this vital corridor.  The Branch Avenue Metrorail Center is now moving forward and will one day soon be an example of revitalization within a Transportation District Overlay Zone that includes a bustling economic development and commercial center, coupled with a diverse residential community with easy access to the Metrorail Station and transportation to and from jobs, as well as cultural areas in the District of Columbia and the metropolitan area.  In addition, it will provide easy access to and from Joint Base Andrews with regard to BRAC expansions at the Base.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with our colleagues in Annapolis to implement and make the vision for this vital corridor a reality in the very near future of Prince George’s County.”

 

Nearly 122,000 motorists travel Branch Ave. daily and by 2030, traffic volumes are forecasted to reach 144,000 vehicles.  As designed, future improvements for the MD 5 corridor include constructing a new overpass and two new ramps connecting southbound MD 5 with the Metro Access Road and a new pedestrian bridge over MD 5 providing safe access to the Metro Station for the Woodlane community.

 

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