Upgrades Include New Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Realignments

(May 10, 2016) –Hikers and cyclists who use a popular trail in Montgomery County will soon enjoy an improved walk or ride in Takoma Park.  The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $1.9 million bicycle and pedestrian improvement project in the southeast quadrant of the MD 320 (Piney Branch Road) and Sligo Creek Parkway intersection.  Weather permitting, construction will be complete by the end of the year.

The project will enhance safety for users of the Anacostia Tributary Trail and include:

• Constructing a pedestrian bridge over Sligo Creek;

• Realigning the shared use path;

• Constructing sidewalks and ramps for Americans With Disabilities Act  compliance; and

• Upgrading traffic and pedestrian signals at the MD 320/Sligo Creek Parkway intersection.

Crews are permitted to close one lane in both directions of MD 320, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Additional lane closures may be needed to expedite the work and keep the project on schedule.  Crews are working on the shoulder of the intersection behind protective concrete barrier with minimal traffic impacts.  More than 22,000 vehicles use the intersection daily.

The trail will remain open to all users during all phases of construction, however path users may be rerouted around the work zone through the end of the year.  Shared path users should expect changing patterns along the trail during construction and be aware of the color orange—the color of construction safety cones, barrels and protective fencing. SHA’s contractor for the work is Highway and Safety Services, Inc. of Gaithersburg.  Equipment used to complete all phases of work can be disruptive.

A complete listing of current roadway projects is included in e-Road Ready 2016, the online brochure. Maryland drivers can also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction delays and lane closures.