(July 29, 2011) – On Tuesday, August 2, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) begins a $1.3 million safety and resurfacing project on approximately one-mile of MD 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) between the Washington D.C. line and MD 191 (Bradley Boulevard) in Bethesda/Chevy Chase.  Weather permitting, the project should be complete this fall, although if an early onset of cold temperatures affect the region, the project will be completed in early-spring 2012.

Crews will grind and resurface all lanes of MD 355 within the project area.  Other work includes patching the existing roadway, cleaning drainage pipes, upgrading existing sidewalks and ramps to American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, installing/replacing new pavement markings, replacing concrete curbs and gutters and upgrading the traffic/pedestrian signal at MD 355 and Willard Avenue/Wisconsin Circle with audible/countdown signals (APS/CPS). 

Pedestrian access will be maintained during the project.  SHA may close one lane on MD 355 Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and weeknights between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with double lane closures permitted Monday through Friday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.  Citizens who reside in the area affected by the project may encounter jack hammering noise as crews remove and upgrade existing concrete gutter and sidewalk. Every effort will be made to minimize noise disruptions though some is inevitable.

Access will also be improved to local businesses, bus stops and the surrounding communities.  This section of MD 355 carries more than 41,000 vehicles per day, with that number expected to increase to more than 45,000 by 2030.

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert - look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don't follow too closely.  Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones.  For everyone.

SHA awarded the project to M. Luis Construction Co. of Baltimore.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on MD 355 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.   Citizens can also follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA.
 
        
# # #
​