State begins safety and resurfacing project on Georgia Avenue/MD 97

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a $4.6 million safety and resurfacing project along nearly two miles of MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) from the Washington, D.C. line to MD 390 (16th Street) in Silver Spring.  Weather permitting, the work will be completed by late fall, 2013.  Motorists and pedestrians traveling in this area should plan ahead, add extra commute time, and be aware of shifting traffic and walking patterns.

The work includes:
• Reconstructing existing sidewalks to five feet wide to become ADA-compliant;
• Repairing, replacing existing inlets and pipes;
• Concrete patching of sections of damaged pavement prior to resurfacing;
• Installing new curb and gutter;
• Resurfacing Georgia Avenue;
• Replacing traffic signal pavement detectors at the intersection of MD 97 and MD 390;
• Installing new line striping and pavement markings.

SHA’s contractor is permitted to close one lane in both directions of Georgia Ave., weekdays, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and up to two lanes overnight, Sunday through Thursday, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. 

SHA will use electronic message boards, temporary fencing, construction cones and barrels, arrow boards and flaggers to direct 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.