New Beacon, Turning Restrictions and Signs Will Enhance Safety

(April 17, 2017) – After a 30-inch water main break and delays associated with contractor supplies and materials, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) is back on track with improvements at MD 190 (River Road) and Braeburn Parkway in Montgomery County.  SHA recently activated the intersection warning system that flashes yellow caution lights when vehicles turn left from River Road onto Braeburn Parkway.

“These initial changes will alert drivers on River Road that there are motorists making turns at the intersection,” said SHA Administrator Gregory Slater.  “With 45,000 vehicles traveling through this intersection each day, it is important that drivers slow down and stay alert through the corridor.”

In fall 2016, SHA began making the $300,000 interim safety improvements at the intersection.  These safety improvements included:

• Restricting Braeburn Parkway traffic in both directions to a right-only turn onto River Road;

• Separating left-turning traffic from through traffic at the intersection;

• Adding overhead LED lighting at the MD 190/Pyle Road intersection; and

• Installing overhead flashing signs in both directions of River Road, which will be activated when vehicles on River Road turn left onto Braeburn Parkway.

 

Traffic engineers are finalizing a traffic study to determine the feasibility of closing the

MD 190/Braeburn Parkway intersection and establishing a new intersection at MD 190 and Pyle Road. The proposed new intersection would accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic and provide alternate access to Walt Whitman High School.