Two Ramps at Bowie Interchange to be Closed During the Next Year; Crews Will Replace the Existing Bridge Deck along Southbound US 301
(July 17, 2009) – Those who travel through northeastern Prince George’s County will soon see a new traffic pattern emerge over the next year at the US 301 / MD 214 interchange in Bowie. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $2.1 million bridge rehabilitation project along southbound US 301 (Crain Highway) over MD 214 (Central Avenue). Weather permitting, construction will be complete summer 2010.
This week, crews are placing barrier wall along sections of MD 214. SHA will have two phases of construction with traffic pattern changes during the project, including temporary lane shifts, long-term lane and ramp closures on southbound US 301. The rehabilitation project includes replacing the existing bridge deck (driving surface) along southbound US 301.
Other improvements include addition of inlets and storm drains, cleaning and painting of the steel beams, and minor work on the approaching roadway. The existing structure was built in 1959 and carries an average of 51,000 vehicles per day.
Traffic will be maintained in two through lanes along southbound US 301 by utilizing an existing lane and one shoulder. In a few weeks, two ramp movements - the ramps from westbound MD 214 to southbound US 301 and southbound US 301 to eastbound MD 214 - will be detoured during the next year. SHA and the contractor will maintain access to businesses and residents throughout the construction work, along with marked detour routes for the long-term ramp closures. The unique design of the interchange carries southbound US 301 over MD 214 and carries northbound US 301 under MD 214.
If traveling along southbound US 301 to reach eastbound MD 214, motorists will continue across the bridge, turn right onto Old Central Avenue, then turn right onto eastbound MD 214.
If traveling along westbound MD 214 to reach southbound US 301, motorists will be directed to westbound MD 214, then to northbound US 301 to make a left turn at Pointer Ridge Drive. This is a signalized intersection along US 301 allowing traffic to make a left turn onto southbound US 301.
In addition, there will be single lane closures along southbound US 301 and both directions of MD 214 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and overnight closures Sunday through Thursday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. SHA will provide variable message signs, jersey barrier wall, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone. SHA awarded the contract to Tessa Structures, LLC.
When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE, which is the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices.
Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected.
Those who have questions about traffic operations on US 301, MD 214, 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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