STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION BEGINS BRANCH AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo


(September 24, 2014) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a nearly $10 million streetscape project on MD 5 (Branch Avenue) between Curtis Drive and Southern Avenue (Washington DC line), including the intersection with MD 637 (Naylor Road) in Temple Hills, Prince George’s County. Weather permitting; the work should be complete spring 2017.

The project supports Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and improves multi-modal transportation in the vicinity of the Naylor Road Metro Station.

Some of the improvements include:

• Minor widening of MD 5 and MD 637 where right of way is available for bicycle lanes;

• Reconstructing traffic signals with new mast arms, signal heads and brighter light emitting diode (LED) bulbs at MD 5 and MD 637, MD 5 and Curtis Drive, MD 5 and the access road to the Naylor Road Metro Station and at MD 637 and Suitland Parkway;

• Constructing 9,200 linear feet of  ADA-compliant sidewalks and sidewalk ramps along MD 5 and MD 637 to enhance pedestrian safety and access;

• Installing 1,200 linear feet of guardrail;

• Reconstructing  concrete medians and traffic islands;

• Improving roadway drainage; and

• Resurfacing MD 5 and MD 637.

“This project improves safety for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers, while supporting transit-oriented development and Prince George’s County regional efforts,” said Melinda B. Peters, SHA Administrator.  “We appreciate the community’s patience during construction and ask that everyone use caution when traveling through the area for the safety of the public and construction crews.”

In planning and designing the project, SHA coordinated with Prince George’s County and the Maryland National Capital Parks & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). The project supports the goals of the Branch Avenue Corridor Sector plan that include:

• Creating a livable, pedestrian-friendly and vibrant community;

• Improving pedestrian links from residential neighborhoods to shops, recreational areas and transit;

• Strengthening and preserving stable residential neighborhoods; and

• Encouraging redevelopment.

Crews are permitted to close one lane on northbound and southbound MD 5 weekdays between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., as well as in both directions of MD 637, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Motorists should expect single lane closures Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. SHA’s contractor for the work is Corinthian Contractors of Upper Marlboro. More than 50,000 vehicles use this section of MD 5 daily.

Through early winter, crews will relocate the water line and are temporarily closing Naylor Road from Good Hope Road to MD 5 Sunday through Thursday, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Motorists should use the approved and signed detour route of Curtis Drive, 28th Parkway and Oxon Run Drive.

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. Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the Web site. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

# # #
 ​

###