WMATA Announces Repairs to Pedestrian Bridge from Rockville Metro Station Over Rockville Pike May Cause Overnight Traffic Disruptions Through Mid-Summer

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 27, 2021

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA / Metro) had previously announced that the bridge enabling pedestrians to connect from the Rockville Metro Station to Downtown Rockville by crossing over Rockville Pike will remain closed for repairs through fall 2021 due to safety concerns. The repairs are progressing, but the work may cause overnight traffic disruptions on northbound and southbound Route 355 through mid-summer.

The pedestrian bridge was closed on June 17, 2020, because of the safety concerns. The overall repair project, which began on March 1 of this year, is expected to continue through fall. A phase of the project expected to begin June 1 and continue throughout the month may necessitate closures of the traffic lanes below.

The bridge allows people to access Ride On buses, Metrorail, taxis, public parking facilities and MARC to walk on an elevated connection over the lanes of Rockville Pike between the Metrorail Station and Maryland Avenue. 

Improvements to the bridge will include a safer, more accessible walkway that features a new non-skid coating to help prevent slipping injuries and renewed natural light from enhanced cleaning of glass panels and skylights. Metro’s installation of new security gates at both ends of the customer walkway will improve security during nonoperating Metro hours. Roofing and structural repairs will ensure that the walkway is a structurally sound, safe and reliable pathway.

The Potomac Construction Company, Inc. will be the main contractor performing the repairs. Beginning Tuesday, June 1, subcontractor DJB Contracting, Inc. will be working on the bridge between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

To complete the work, crews are permitted to temporarily and intermittently close multiple traffic lanes on northbound and southbound MD 355 during overnight work hours. One lane will be open to traffic during all work hours. Equipment used for construction may be disruptive. Drivers should add extra commute time for these overnight off-peak lane closures.

The phase of the project that will impact traffic is expected to extend through July 1.

WMATA wants commuters to know that the project may have other impacts including: 

• Accessible parking spaces in the station’s west side Kiss & Ride area will be temporarily relocated to the south section of the lot for the duration of construction. Drivers are advised to follow posted signs to ensure their vehicles are not towed.
• Evening and weekend work may occur, depending on weather and worksite conditions.
• Loud noises and traffic/pedestrian detours may occur throughout construction. Residents are advised to stay clear of the construction zone and follow all posted signs.

Metro has installed signage to notify customers of the structure's closure and urges all pedestrians who normally use the bridge to use the following alternatives: 

• Free Shuttle Bus Service is available during Metrorail hours between the Rockville Metrorail Station Bus Bay D (West Bus Loop) and Monroe Street at East Montgomery Avenue. The shuttle service operates every five-to-10 minutes during Metrorail hours.
• Pedestrian Walkways: To cross Rockville Pike at Park Road or Church Street, pedestrians should use marked crosswalks and following pedestrian crossing signals.

Metro will provide updates on the construction project at https://www.wmata.com/service/status/details/rockville-pedestrian-bridge-closure.cfm  

Questions about the project can be directed to Shon Thomas, project coordinator at Traffic Engineering Services, at 240-302-3099.

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Release ID: 21-401
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Transportation