Concrete bus pads add extra strength to the pavement which supports heavier vehicles such as buses. To expedite construction, SHA will close up to two right lanes on southbound MD 185. Although workers may not always be present, lanes must remain closed until the bus pad concrete is fully cured (dry) and all affected lanes are declared safe for travel at the following locations:
• Southbound MD 185 and Oxford Street
• Southbound MD 185 and Rosemary Street
• Southbound MD 185 and Shepherd Street
During this weekend’s work, commuters should plan for extra travel time. Motorists may want to consider using MD 186 (Brookville Road) or MD 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) as alternate routes.
The work is part of a $2.5 million safety and resurfacing project that began mid-October. To date, crews have completed construction of bus pads on northbound MD 185 at Raymond Street and Taylor Streets. Crews will perform different phases of bus pad construction at different times this weekend. Residents and travelers are advised that construction equipment can be loud and disruptive. SHA asks for your patience as crews work to complete the project. SHA’s contractor for the work is Fort Meyer Construction Corporation of Washington, D.C.
Additional work that will take place between now and the end of winter (weather permitting) includes roadway patching, upgrading existing sidewalk ramps for Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, replacing damaged curb and gutter and replacing existing inlets. To perform this work, SHA is permitted to close one lane on:
• Northbound MD 185 between 8:30 am and 2:30 p.m.
• Southbound MD 185 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Beginning next spring (weather permitting), SHA will resurface all lanes of traffic, apply new pavement markings, clean all inlets, install stamped concrete within the existing median and perform landscaping within the existing median.
To perform this phase of work beginning next spring, SHA will also be permitted to close up to two lanes in both directions of MD 185, overnights, Sunday through Thursday, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. All phases of work should be complete by late fall 2014.
Nearly 53,000 motorists use this heavily traveled section of Connecticut Avenue daily. SHA will use construction barrels, construction cones, arrow boards and flaggers to guide 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!
# # #