​Project Provides Smoother, Safer Driving Surface; New Girders and Concrete Supports

(December 6, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has completed the $13.6 million project to rehabilitate the Seminary Road bridge over I-495 (Capital Beltway) in Montgomery County. The project is part of Governor Larry Hogan’s $1.97 billion investment in highways and bridges.

“Investing in Maryland’s infrastructure and upgrading our aging bridges has been a priority for our administration to promote safety and advance our economy,” said Governor Hogan. “The Seminary Road bridge is a vital link for the Silver Spring community and for tens of thousands of commuters every day, and this project will keep people and goods moving safely for many years to come.”

Constructed in 1964, the bridge was safe for the traveling public but had reached the end of its useful service life. Work on the rehabilitation project began in 2017 and included:   

• Replacement of the bridge deck and steel girders.   
• Strengthening bridge supports with a fiber wrap to protect concrete and steel from weather.   
• Resurfacing and applying new pavement markings to the inner and outer loops of I-495.   

“MDOT is committed to maintaining a state of good repair across our entire transportation network, and the Seminary Road bridge is a critical link in that network for drivers, transit users, bicyclists and pedestrians,” said MDOT Secretary Greg Slater. “With the help of our partners in county government and the community, this connection is now stronger for commuters, residents and for commerce.”

Throughout construction, MDOT SHA maintained two lanes of traffic on Seminary Road. Temporary intersection closures and detours were in place for the safety of motorists and residents. 

“Community input was vital in the planning of this project,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “Thanks to our team and the greater Silver Spring community for working together to come up with solutions to keep traffic moving during construction in order to better serve area residents.”  

MDOT SHA contractor Anchor Construction Corporation of Arbutus performed the work. Information about the project can be found HERE. 

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

Motorists can dial #77 or 911 on their mobile device for roadside assistance.

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.