Right Turn Lane To Be Added at Busy Intersection in Silver Spring           
          
(November 6, 2008) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a project to improve safety by widening the intersection of Piney Branch Road and University Boulevard in Silver Spring, Montgomery County. The $854,000 project will be complete late-summer 2009, weather permitting.          
          
SHA will widen and resurface the northwest corner of the intersection to provide an exclusive right turn lane from eastbound University Boulevard to southbound Piney Branch Road, which will reduce congestion at the intersection.          
          
Other improvements include replacing the traffic loop detectors, installing pavement markings, upgrading the existing sidewalks to ADA standards, replacing curb and gutter, cleaning and repairing existing inlets and pipes, installing a concrete median, cleaning and relocating/replacing directional signage for the intersection, replacing traffic signals, and landscaping.           
          
This fall, crews will relocate and upgrade utilities and removed the existing concrete islands. The work to widen and resurface the roadway and install the new median, curb and gutter will start in the spring.          
          
During construction, motorists can expect single right lane closures in both directions of Piney Branch Road and University Boulevard between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and double lane closures overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Saturday through Thursday.           
          
SHA will provide variable message signs, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists and pedestrians around the work zone. SHA awarded the contract to Fort Meyer Construction of Washington, DC.          
          
SHA reminds all drivers to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, think orange, and stay alert. Customers who have questions about traffic operations on MD 320 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. For more information on SHA’s traffic safety initiatives, log onto www.choosesafetyforlife.com          
          
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