TRAFFIC SWITCH FOR MD 97/RANDOLPH ROAD INTERCHANGE PROJECT STARTS 7 A.M. TOMORROW

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo

Drivers Should Avoid the Area and Expect Delays

(December 9, 2016) –Beginning tomorrow at 7 a.m., the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will temporarily close travel lanes to switch traffic for construction of a $39 million interchange at MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) at Randolph Road in Silver Spring, Montgomery County.  All lanes will reopen by Monday morning at 5 a.m.  In case of inclement weather, the work will take place on December 17.

To shift traffic within the work zone onto a section of the newly-constructed bridge deck within the work zone, SHA will temporarily close:
 
• Two left turn lanes on northbound MD 97 prior to Mason Street;
 
• Two left turn lanes on southbound MD 97 prior to Layhill Road;
 
• One left turn lane on Layhill Road; and
 
• Two left lanes on westbound Randolph Road prior to Glenmont Circle.
 
Crews will intermittently stop traffic for up to 15 minutes in both directions of MD 97 and Randolph Road are possible throughout the traffic switch.

Crews will relocate traffic signals, move concrete traffic barrier, perform traffic signal infrastructure work, test and activate traffic signals, patch the roadway and apply new pavement markings to correspond with new lane configurations.

“We are up against weather constraints and if this traffic switch does not take place as planned, the project could be delayed,” said SHA District Engineer Brian Young.  “This is a highly congested area and holiday shopping is in full gear so motorists should plan for extra time during the traffic switch.”

Motorists should consider MD 185 (Connecticut Avenue) as an alternative.  Pedestrian traffic will be maintained at all times and law enforcement will direct traffic during the weekend of the traffic switch. Once the traffic shift is complete, crews will begin work on the next phase of the project, including constructing the next section of a bridge for the new interchange. 

Drivers can log onto www.md511.org for up-to-the-minute traffic information or call 1-855-466-3511 using a hands free device while driving. Customers with questions about the work can call the project field office at 240-669-3473.

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