Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett celebrated the completion of a road repaving project that improved more than 43 miles on seven roadways using $6.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding. The funds employed 50 people; 47 by the paving contractor and three contract inspectors hired by the County. The selected roads were designated as high priority projects by the County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) because of their deteriorated condition. Overall, the County received nearly $168 million in ARRA funding for a variety of projects that have helped businesses get people back to work.
Joining Leggett were County Council President Roger Berliner, County Councilmember Craig Rice, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, and State Delegates Charles Barkley and Jim Gilchrist.
For the seven repaving projects, the Division of Highway Services (DHS) removed and replaced defective curbs, gutters, sidewalks and pavement surfaces; patched pavement; and installed pavement line markings and raised, reflective pavement markers.
The following were repaved:
- More than 10 lane miles of Shady Grove Road from I-270 to Darnestown Road. Bike lanes and acceleration lanes were added and non-standard traffic barriers were replaced. ADA ramps were added to sidewalks.
- Nearly 10 lane miles of Barnesville Road from Mt. Ephraim Road to Maryland Route 117. Safety improved with new traffic barriers and thermoplastic pavement markings.
- About 4.5 miles of Randolph Road from east of Nebel Street to Rock Creek Bridge. Replaced existing sidewalk and ramps with standard sidewalks and ADA ramps. Installed new thermoplastic pavement markings with track symbols near railroad tracks.
- About 3.6 lane miles of Forest Glen Road from Maryland Route 97 to Brunett Avenue. Improved pavement striping by adding bike lanes and a pedestrian crossing at the Sligo Creek intersection. Removed a ditch along the edge of the roadway, improving access and eliminating unsafe drop off. Installed standard concrete curb and gutters Replaced existing sidewalk and ramps with standard sidewalks and ADA ramps.
- More than 10 lane miles of Old Columbia Pike from Maryland Route 198 to U.S. Route 29, Columbia Pike on-ramp. Replaced existing sidewalk and ramps with standard sidewalks and ADA ramps. Improved storm water drainage at various locations. Worked with Paint Branch High School to improve access for entrances and exits. Installed roadside traffic barriers protecting hazardous embankments.
- Nearly five lane miles of Travilah Road from Dufief Road to River Road. Increased roadside safety with new traffic barriers and thermoplastic pavement markings, and improved operating conditions.
- About 3.7 lane miles of Wightman Road from Brink Road to Goshen Road. Realigned the concrete median at the intersection of Montgomery Village Avenue, improving traffic flow. Repaired shoulder area at Great Seneca Park entrance across from Brink Road. Installed hot mix asphalt base to restore roadway integrity. Replaced roadside non-standard traffic barriers.
The County also received other ARRA funding for transportation projects, including $1.75 million to the Division of Traffic Engineering for four projects to improve traffic flow and traffic and pedestrian safety and $6.55 million to the Division of Transit Services to replace existing buses with 12 energy-efficient, diesel-electric hybrids and one clean diesel bus. The buses have been in service since November 2011. Transit also received $350,000 to purchase new bid/dispatch software that is increasing efficiency in managing work assignments and daily dispatching.
Information about other ARRA funds awarded to the County is available on the County’s website.
