Temporary Traffic Changes on Rockville Pike Week of September 23

For Immediate Release: Monday, September 23, 2019

From 9:00 a.m. Monday, September 23, through 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, south bound left turn lane into South Wood Drive will be closed for center island demolition and reconstruction.  Access to the South Wood Drive entrance of Walter Reed from south bound Rockville Pike (MD 355) will be open.

The north bound right sidewalk at the south east corner of Jones Bridge and Rockville Pike (MD 355) will be closed for sidewalk installation.  A sidewalk/pedestrian detour will be installed as work is being completed.

The south bound and right north bound lanes at Jones Bridge and Rockville Pike (MD 355) will be closed for communication relocation and utility pole removal. 

From 9:00 p.m. Monday, September 23, through 6:00 a.m. Friday, September 27, two right lanes south bound Rockville Pike (MD 355) at Center Drive will be closed for storm drain inlet 4 installation.                                                             

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. 
• Project completion is anticipated in Fall 2020.

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: 19-158
Media Contact: Maureen McNulty 240-777-7199