Project Will Improve Traffic Capacity at Busy Rockville Intersection;  Project Made Possible Through Stimulus Funding

(November 25, 2009) – In early December, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) begins a $968,000 capacity improvement project at the MD 28 (First Street) and MD 586 (Veirs Mill Road)/MD 911 (First Street) intersection in Montgomery County.  Weather permitting, the project will be complete summer 2010.

Work includes:
• Adding a new 500 foot left turn lane from southbound MD 28 to eastbound MD 586;
• Extending the existing left turn lane from MD 28/MD 586 to northbound MD 28 by 350 feet;
• Grinding and resurface the existing pavement;
• Cleaning pipes;
• Upgrading existing sidewalks and ramps to American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards;
• Installing pavement markings;
• Replacing curb and gutter, and replace existing guardrail;
• Upgrading the existing traffic signals with accessible/countdown pedestrian signals (APS/CPS); and
• Landscaping within the project limits.

Safe pedestrian access will be maintained.  Work will improve the traffic flow at this intersection which carries over 31,000 vehicles per day.  SHA is closing a single lane during the day on MD 586, MD 28, and MD 911:

• Northbound MD 911 and northbound MD 28 - single lane closures Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Southbound MD 911 and southbound MD 28 - single lane closures Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Eastbound MD 28 and eastbound MD 586 - single lane closures Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Westbound MD 28 and westbound MD 586 - single lane closures Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

This project is made possible through Governor Martin O’Malley’s aggressive management of the requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, bringing critically needed transportation investments to Maryland.  Projects such as these are stimulating Maryland’s economy by supporting hundreds of jobs.  Follow the delivery of these projects at www.recovery.maryland.gov, which tracks every category of ARRA spending and provides contract-level details to the public in an effort to achieve new levels of government transparency and efficiency.

SHA awarded the contract to Sagres Construction Company.  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.  Choose safety for life and make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com

Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on MD 586, MD 28, 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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