Road Improvement Project Will Improve Safety and Ride Quality           
          
(March 3, 2009) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin resurfacing and safety improvements along one-half mile of MD 355 (Rockville Pike) between Hubbard Drive and Halpine Road in Rockville, Montgomery County. Weather permitting, construction will be complete late summer 2009.          
          
The $204,000 project also includes cleaning and repair and replacement of existing inlets, pipes and concrete median, as well as curbs and gutters. Safety improvements include upgrading sidewalks to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliancy and adding new pavement markings.          
          
During construction, there will be single lane closures and possible lane shifts overnight along MD 355 between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. SHA will provide variable message signs, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone. SHA awarded the contract to R.F. Kline, Inc. of Frederick. This section of MD 355 carries approximately 53,000 vehicles each day and is north of the MD 355/Montrose Parkway interchange reconstruction project.           
          
When driving through the work zone, THINK ORANGE, which is the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices. Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Choose to make work zone safety your business by logging onto www.choosesafetyforlife.com to learn traffic information. Those who have questions about traffic operations on MD 355 or other State numbered routes in Montgomery County may call SHA’s District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll free at 1-800-749-0737.           
          
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