​Project will Connect Rhode Island Avenue and Anacostia Tributary Trails in Hyattsville; $6.4M Project will Enhance Pedestrian and Bicyclist Access to Trails, Arts and Historic District

(May 31¬, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is launching a $6.4 million bicycle-pedestrian route project that will connect the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail to the Anacostia Tributary Trail in Hyattsville.

As part of the project, MDOT SHA crews will pave and enhance natural surface trails, providing opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists to share access to recreational centers and the Gateway Arts District. American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pedestrian and bicycle facilities will enhance network connectivity and improve safety.

“The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail Project reflects our commitment to provide safe and accessible mobility choices for all users – including pedestrians and bicyclists,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith.

Smith said MDOT SHA is committed to a “context-driven” approach on Maryland’s roadways – a practice that studies the characteristics of the specific community and develops solutions that take the “context” of those community needs into account. The goal is to provide specific improvements that enhance safety, accessibility and mobility for all users.   

In this case, the project and associated improvements will focus toward walkable features. The project includes:

• Construction of a new 10-foot, half-mile shared-use path and buffer along northbound US 1;   
• Enhancement of pedestrian and bicycle mobility with signal modifications, curb ramps and crosswalks;
• Installation of signs, pavement markings, pedestrian lighting and an offsite stormwater management facility;
• Extension of the lane reduction of the northbound US 1 one-lane road from just south of Farragut Street to Charles Armentrout Drive; and
• Improvements to roadway drainage, medians and landscaping.   

Construction is beginning this month and will continue through late fall 2023, weather permitting. Concrete General Inc., of Gaithersburg, will perform the work. More information on the project can be found here.
MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits as well as other driving pattern changes. Please drive like you work here and slowdown in construction zones.

Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile device for roadside assistance.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.