State Highway Administration Begins Bridge Rehabilitation Project on MD 650 Over Sligo Creek in Montgomery County - Community Advisory

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $2.2 million bridge deck replacement project along MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) over Sligo Creek in Takoma Park. Located between MD 410 (Ethan Allen Avenue) and MD 193 (University Blvd.), the project should be completed in late 2014, weather permitting.

Beginning Thursday, May 9, at 12 noon, SHA will temporarily close Sligo Creek Parkway access to MD 650 and also close one or two lanes on southbound MD 650 near Sligo Creek Parkway to maneuver a temporary pedestrian bridge into place that will provide access to Sligo Creek Park from MD 650. Once work begins, travel lanes along MD 650 will shift; all through lanes will remain open during the morning and evening rush hours.

During the temporary closures, motorists will be detoured onto MD 410 (Ethan Allen Avenue) and MD 195 (Carroll Avenue). Weather permitting, all lanes of traffic along Sligo Creek Parkway and southbound MD 650 will reopen to traffic no later than 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 11.

Once the temporary pedestrian bridge is in place, to complete the work SHA may temporarily close one lane in both directions of MD 650 weekdays, between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. and one or two lanes overnight, Sunday through Saturday, between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Motorists traveling northbound or southbound MD 650 wishing to access Sligo Creek Parkway will be detoured around the construction zone via MD 410 (Ethan Allen Avenue and MD 195 (Carroll Avenue).

"Maintaining access to the Sligo Creek Parkway hiker/biker trail and area residences during the bridge deck replacement project is a top priority," said SHA administrator Melinda B. Peters. "SHA asks that motorists remain patient during construction and remain alert for work crews."

Originally built in 1932 and widened in 1964, the bridge is structurally sound but needs a new concrete deck (bridge driving surface). SHA will begin constructing new concrete medians, curb and gutter and upgrading sidewalks along MD 650 for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance before replacing the east and west sides of the bridge deck.

As part of the project, SHA will also:

* replace metal railings on the bridge;

* clean and paint steel sections of the bridge;

* resurface the pavement approaches;

* replace the traffic signal at the MD 650/Sligo Creek Parkway intersection; and

* apply new pavement markings.

Motorists should plan ahead and add extra commute time during construction. More than 69,000 vehicles travel along this section of MD 650 in Montgomery County daily.

SHA's contractor for the work is Ardent Company, LLC, of McLean, Virginia. Residents and travelers are advised that equipment used during construction can be loud and disruptive. SHA asks for your patience as crews work to complete these project. To learn more about the project schedule and additional impacts, SHA is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, May 15, at 6 p.m. at the Takoma Park Community Center. Area residents are encouraged to attend.

SHA will use electronic message boards, construction cones and barrels, arrow boards and flaggers to direct motorists through the work zone. As crews work to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert - look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don't follow too closely. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone!