Press Releases - Department of Transportation

Planned Rockville Pike Lane and Sidewalk Closures for July 12-26

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 10, 2019

From Friday, July 12, through Sunday, July 14, double right-hand lane closures will occur between Wilson Lane and South Drive for storm drain installation and backfill. This work will not block the South Drive entrance to NIH.

From Tuesday, July 16, through Friday, July 19, various north and south bound right lane closures are expected during the day, between Jones Bridge and Rockville Pike for sidewalk construction. Sidewalk closure detours will be posted as necessary. 

From Sunday, July 21 through Friday, July 26, new signals will be activated at Rockville Pike and Woodmont Corner. During this process there will be brief road closures while old signal wiring is removed. Sidewalk closure detours will be posted as necessary. 

Construction activity inside the Medical Center Metro Station has commenced and will continue thru fall 2020.

• View the handout flyer in English and Spanish.
• Two new Metro entrance elevators are being constructed on the Navy Side of Rockville Pike, along with a connecting passageway from the mezzanine level to the new elevators to serve passengers to and from the Walter Reed/Naval Support Activity Bethesda.
• All construction activities within the station will take place behind or within partitioned areas on the platform and mezzanine levels and will be performed during non-service hours. Work is not expected to impede access to or inside the Station. 

View map of the Rockville Pike/Jones Bridge Road/Woodmont Ave Intersection.

About the Crossing Project:

This work is part of the ongoing construction of the Crossing Project at the Medical Center Metro Station, near the Medical Center Metro Station, NIH, and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Naval Support Activity Bethesda. When it is completed by mid-2020, the Crossing Project will provide a safe and more efficient environment for people and vehicles to get through this heavily trafficked area.

The Crossing Project has two main components: 1) A shallow pedestrian underpass connecting Naval Support Activity Bethesda/Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on the east side of Rockville Pike to NIH and the bus/commuter transit center on the west side; and 2) Deep elevators on the Navy side of Rockville Pike to the Metrorail mezzanine.

In addition, the Crossing Project includes pedestrian safety and traffic and transit improvements to the nearby intersections of MD 355 (Rockville Pike) @ Jones Bridge Road and Center Drive (NIH), and at MD 355 @ Woodmont Avenue.

• View map of the Crossing Project construction area.
• View pictures of the construction and of signs for safe pedestrian/cycling detours.
• View video to see what’s happening underground.
• For more information, visit md355crossing.com

A Safety Reminder:

As construction of the Crossing Project at the Medical Center Metro Station moves forward, the Montgomery County Dept. of Transportation (MCDOT) urges people to exercise caution as they walk, bike or travel near the construction zone. Please pay attention to all signs that have been posted for your safety. Walk or bike only on designated crosswalks, sidewalks and paths.

In the meantime, MCDOT appreciates the patience of everyone who lives, works or travels through the area.

Release ID: 19-115
Media Contact: Maureen McNulty 240-777-7199