Off-Peak Nighttime Lane Closures Needed to Expedite Work

(May 18 2016) – Beginning this week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin resurfacing the intersection of MD 119 (Great Seneca Highway) at Kentlands Boulevard/Orchard Ridge Road in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County. The resurfacing along mainline MD 119 plus the legs of the intersection totals 0.6 miles. All work should be complete by mid-June, weather permitting.

The resurfacing is part of a safety and congestion-relief project that began in 2014. To date, crews have completed the following improvements:

 

• Extended the left turn lane on westbound Orchard Ridge Drive,
• Modified the median on Orchard Ridge Drive,
• Modified the median and realigning the crosswalk on the northern leg of MD 119, and
• Constructed sidewalk ramps and detectable warning surfaces for ADA compliance.

Cold temperatures late last fall prevented the resurfacing being done in 2015. Crews will remove the top layer of asphalt, apply new asphalt and pavement markings to all lanes inside the half-mile project limits. To perform all phases of resurfacing crews are permitted to close two lanes each night, Sunday through Thursday, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Drivers should be aware of changing traffic patterns during resurfacing. Equipment used to complete all phases of work can be disruptive. Drivers should plan ahead and expect work zone delays. For real-time travel information, log onto www.md511.org or call 1-855-466-3511 using a hands free device.

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 and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

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.