(April 13, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is beginning work on an $18 million project to enhance safety and operations along a half-mile portion of Jones Bridge Road in Montgomery County. The work, which includes the busy intersection of MD 185 (Connecticut Avenue) at Jones Bridge Road/Kensington Parkway, is being done in conjunction with the federal government’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) improvements in North Chevy Chase. The project is expected to be complete by summer 2023.

“Improved access to Naval Support Activity Bethesda is vital to accommodate increased employment as a result of BRAC,” said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “These improvements will make this area more accessible and safer for employees and commuters, in any mode of travel.”

MDOT SHA’s contractor, E&R Services Inc. of Lanham, will perform the work which includes:

• Adding a third left-turn lane at the intersection to improve movement from eastbound Jones Bridge Road to northbound MD 185.
• Installing new sidewalks, crosswalk ramps and a shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Resurfacing and restriping the roadway.
• Upgrading traffic signal and lighting.
• Replacing curb and gutter.
• Relocating underground and overhead utilities.
• Upgrading drainage and stormwater management.

“This project is part of MDOT SHA’s ongoing commitment to the Vision Zero initiative to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities through Maryland,” said MDOT Administrator Tim Smith. “We are implementing roadway solutions focused on safe movement and enhanced accessibility for all users of the system.”

The Jones Bridge Road project is an example of the important work MDOT SHA is continuing to accomplish during Maryland’s COVID-19 State of Emergency while maintaining a focus on the health and safety of our team and the public. You can find more details of the project HERE.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other pattern changes. Drive like you work here and please slow down in construction zones.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.