MD 187 sign
Buffered Bicycle Lanes Included in Improvement Project
(October 17, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has started a project to significantly improve safety for bicyclists and motorists on nearly two miles of MD 187 (Old Georgetown Road) in North Bethesda. The improvements on MD 187, between south of I-495 (Capital Beltway) and Nicholson Lane, will convert one travel lane in each direction in order to add buffered bicycle lanes and the installation of flex posts to outline the new bicycle lanes. The new buffered bike lane will include green pavement markings as well.
“We appreciate the feedback from community members, elected officials and other stakeholders as we worked to make this vital corridor safer,” said MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. “These improvements on Old Georgetown Road underscore our commitment to a safe, accessible and multimodal approach to our roadways.”
The safety improvements are part of the
resurfacing project that began earlier this month. The overall project will be complete by the end of the year, weather permitting.
BEFORE AFTER
Images show the existing lanes along MD 187, left, and the safety improvement converting one travel lane to a buffered bicycle lane with flex posts, right. MDOT SHA images
In addition to the new buffered bike lanes, other changes underway on MD 187 include:
- Installation of high visibility or Continental crosswalk markings.
- Reduction of the number of travel lanes from three lanes to two lanes in each direction.
- Narrowing the remaining 11-foot travel lanes to 10.5 and 10 feet.
- Resurfacing and restriping of the roadway.
“Our top priority is always to make sure our customers reach their destinations safely,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith. “We ask that motorists obey all of the rules of the road and be extra vigilant when bicyclists are on the road. We are committed to ensuring that our roadways are safe for everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation.”
Motorists can expect single-lane closures on MD 187 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and multiple lane closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday nights through Friday mornings. Motorists will be guided through the work zone with cones, barrels and arrow boards. With approximately 40,000 vehicles per day use this road, drivers should plan extra commuting time during construction.
Maryland’s Move Over Law requires motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals. The expanded law is in place to protect emergency responders and all motorists who encounter a roadside emergency.
Motorists in need may dial #77 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.