(March 24, 2015) – If you live or work near northbound US 29 (Columbia Pike) between Seneca Drive and MD 175 (Patuxent Freeway), you’ve noticed that construction is fully underway on the project. The $32.7 million northbound US 29 project includes constructing a new third lane and new sound barriers for area communities. Weather permitting, all work will be complete in fall 2016.

Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) crews scheduled lane closures for Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; nighttime lane closures may occur each night between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. for temporary pavement and pothole patching.

“We ask for residents’ patience during this period because we know construction is noisy and can be a big distraction, especially at night,” says SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Our crews will make every attempt to minimize the amount of noise, however a certain level is unavoidable.”

 

 

The patching and pavement work is the final step for a major traffic shift that moves drivers toward the median.  While paving for this section is months away, drivers will continue to use two lanes of traffic.  The shift allows SHA’s contractor to move the barrier wall from the median to the right shoulder and start building new noise barrier walls along the southern section of the project. 

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Always expect the unexpected, pay extra close attention and drive slowly through any work zone. Whether it’s a tree trimming operation or a bridge project, be aware when orange is there: Think Orange (the color of construction equipment and signs), stay alert and slow down.  Everyone is at risk.

In four out of five work zone-related crashes, it is the driver or passenger who is injured or killed. In 2014, nine people lost their lives in Maryland work zone crashes, including four highway workers. While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to keep traffic safely moving in work zones, please partner with us because work zone safety is everyone’s business – slow down and stay alert.  Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.