(May 3, 2013) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a major construction project along MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) that will benefit thousands of commuters in the Washington D.C. region, from Southern Maryland to Prince George’s County.  Crews will replace two bridges that carry MD 4 over MD 223 (Woodyard Road) in Prince George’s County.  SHA expects to complete the project by fall 2015, weather permitting.

 

The $18 million construction project is one of Prince George’s County’s top transportation priorities.  Located near Joint Base Andrews and north of the county seat in Upper Marlboro, the three-mile project also will include significant repairs to MD 223, between Dowerhouse Road and Ritchie-Marlboro Road.  Improvements to the MD 4 corridor are one of the County’s top priorities for highway projects. 

 

“This project delivers on a promise to the citizens of Prince George’s County and will enhance the safety of motorists traveling to and from Joint Base Andrews, as well as the County Seat in Upper Marlboro,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.  “This $18 million project is an investment in safety and quality of life, and furthers our efforts to build a transportation system that will meet the needs of future generations.”

 

The existing four-span steel beam bridges, constructed in 1962, are showing signs of deterioration.  All travel lanes will be maintained during construction.  The new bridges will be two-span steel plate girder bridges that will better support the future traffic needs. 

 

"I'm pleased the Maryland State Highway Administration is now beginning this critical infrastructure project, which will benefit residents and businesses in Prince George's County, as well as Southern Maryland commuters," stated Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. "Not only do investments like these improve the safety of our roads, but they help spur economic growth in our community and strengthen our region's competitiveness."

 

The northbound MD 4 Bridge will have two lanes, an acceleration lane for northbound MD 223 traffic, a six-foot outside shoulder, and a 22-foot-wide inside shoulder.  The new southbound bridge will have two lanes, a 10-foot outside shoulder, and a 24-foot-wide inside shoulder. Wider shoulders will provide the ability for an additional future lane in each direction. The lanes would be restriped to provide for the additional capacity.  Other work includes:
• resurfacing all four lanes of MD 223 between Ritchie-Marlboro Road and Dowerhouse Road,  
• resurfacing all of the interchange ramps,
• improving drainage and slope upgrades along MD 4,
• installing new traffic barrier along the outside shoulders of MD 4,
• installing new pavement markings, and
• upgrading interchange lighting.

 

On average, nearly 63,000 vehicles use the four-lane highway each day to reach employment and civic destinations, schools, government agencies and economic development centers.  With volumes projected to increase to 90,000 by 2030, the bridges will be built to allow for future widening if needed. 

 

“I want to thank Governor O’Malley and the Maryland State Highway Administration for this investment in our citizens in Prince George’s County and throughout Southern Maryland,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. “Road improvements on MD 4/ MD 223 are greatly needed for the future commercial and residential growth of Prince George’s County.  Our residents and businesses in this corridor will welcome this construction and the eventual alleviation of the congestion along these roads.” 

 

SHA has placed concrete barriers along the MD 4 bridge shoulders, reducing the travel lane width from 12 to 11 feet.  Crews are now removing the existing concrete from the bridge in preparation for the bridge reconstruction.  Most of this work will occur behind the barrier wall.   

 

In May, crews will need to start single-lane closures along northbound and southbound MD 4.  SHA may close a lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. 

 

“At this time of year, SHA has hundreds of active work zones across the State,” stated SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “For the safety of workers and travelers, please drive at the appropriate speed and remain alert for construction equipment entering and exiting the roadway.”

 

Later this summer, crews will close the ramp from northbound MD 223 to northbound MD 4.  A temporary traffic signal will redirect drivers to use northbound MD 223, and then to turn left at the signal to reach northbound MD 4.  The closure will allow crews to begin demolishing the bridge, section by section.  Once construction and all paving work are complete, the signal will be removed and the ramp will reopen to traffic.  SHA awarded the contract to GA & FC Wagman, Inc. of York, Pa. 

 

For more information about the project, customers may contact the SHA District 3 Office at 301-513-7300, toll-free at 1-800-749-0737 or by email at shadistrict3@sha.state.md.us

 

SHA reminds motorists to “think orange” and remain alert when driving through the work zone.  To learn more about this project, visit www.roads.maryland.gov and check out the SHA Projects Page for Prince George’s County.  Know Before You Go! by setting up an account on www.MD511.org and receive traffic-related information.  Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter and follow MDSHA.

 

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