(July 17, 2015) –Major traffic changes are coming at the MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) / Randolph Road interchange construction project in Montgomery County. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) crews will shift traffic onto newly constructed pavement lanes within the construction work zone next weekend.
SHA will restrict travel lanes on both MD 97 and Randolph Road to a one lane in each direction on both roads beginning at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 24. All traffic lanes should open by Monday, July 27 at 5 a.m. Drivers will be able to make left and right turns at MD 97 and Randolph Road. In case of inclement weather, the work will take place the weekend of July 31.
The area is one of the busiest in Montgomery County, so motorists are strongly advised to avoid the intersection, expect delays and add extra travel time during the traffic shift. Motorists should consider MD 185 (Connecticut Avenue) as an alternative. Pedestrian traffic will be maintained; flag persons and law enforcement personnel will direct traffic during intermittent traffic stops of up to 15 minutes in both directions on MD 97 and Randolph Road.
Crews will apply new a double yellow line to the pavement, then turn off all traffic signals within the intersection, use police assistance to direct traffic while the traffic signals are dark and then activate new traffic signals. Crews will then stripe all travel lanes on the new roadway pavement, remove the old signal poles, construction barrels and then release traffic onto the new lanes. Portable variable message signs were placed near the work zone this week to alert drivers of the upcoming traffic shift.
“Motorists and pedestrians should be extra alert during the weekend work,” said Brian Young, SHA District 3 Engineer. “When walking or biking through the area, everyone should stay off phones, remove headphones and be aware of instructions of construction personnel who will make sure they safely get past. Drivers should park their phones, slow down and be aware of changing traffic patterns during the entire weekend.”
Once the traffic shift is complete, crews will begin work on the next phase of the project including bridge foundation work and retaining wall construction. To date, crews have completed substantial portions of water and gas relocation work, storm water management construction and roadway restoration. The project began last year and should be complete by the end of 2016; weather permitting. Those who have questions about this project may contact the SHA District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or
shadistrict3@sha.state.md.us.
In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones.
Click here for a listing of major SHA projects in Maryland. 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.
# # #