(May 27, 2010) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $1.6 million rehabilitation project to improve the Forestville Road Bridge over I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) in Prince George’s County.  Weather permitting, construction will be complete fall 2011.

During construction, SHA will close the northbound lane on Forestville Road between MD 337 (Allentown Road) and the exit ramp from southbound I-95/I-495; only southbound motorists will be able to use Forestville Road across I-95/I-495.

Crews may also close a single lane on I-95/I-495 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and overnights Sunday through Thursday between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

For traffic along northbound Forestville Road :   Motorists will be detoured to westbound MD 337 (Allentown Road), to a right on Suitland Road, a right turn on eastbound Suitland Parkway and back to Forestville Road.  Additionally, motorists can use eastbound MD 337 to a left on MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) to Forestville Road. 

The northbound detour is necessary as the bridge is too narrow to maintain two lanes of traffic and perform the necessary work.  SHA considered closing the roadway, but due to the high traffic volume this was determined not to be a viable alternative.  Another option considered was to close one lane and maintain two-way traffic flow with temporary signals, but the high volume of traffic would result in substantial delays.  Forestville Road across the bridge carries nearly 4,000 vehicles per day. 

The Forestville Road Bridge was originally constructed in 1964, and is structurally safe.  The rehabilitation project includes replacing the existing bridge deck and constructing a new five-foot wide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compatible sidewalk to improve pedestrian and bicyclist access.  Other work includes repaving the approaching roadway, and installing new signs and pavement markings.  This project is part of SHA’s bridge preservation and replacement program.

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 Rustler Corporation.  SHA will provide flaggers, variable message signs, jersey barrier wall, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone.  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 to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com

Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on MD 337, I-95/I-495, or other state numbered routes in Prince George’s County may call SHA’s District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll free at 1-800-749-0737.  Citizens can also subscribe to the District 3 RSS feed at http://www.marylandroads.com/pages/districts.aspx?did=d3

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