Maryland to open new I-95 Express Toll Lanes ahead of holiday travel

The Maryland Transportation Authority announced that it will open a new stretch of Express Toll Lanes on northbound I-95 tomorrow, Wednesday, December 18, 2024. A variable toll charged to drivers who use the lanes will provide a way around traffic congestion, which is expected to be heavy around next week's Christmas and Chanukah holidays. The new Express Toll Lanes run for 6.5 miles along the northbound side of the interstate between White Marsh Boulevard (MD 43) and Mountain Road (MD 152).

Completed Express Toll Lanes all the way to MD 24 (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway), along with new ramps connecting I-695 to the northbound ETL, are expected to open to traffic by the end of 2027. The first section of ETL opened in 2014. MDTA recommends obtaining an E-ZPass, to save up to 77% over toll charges you might otherwise receive via Pay-by-Plate or video tolling.

“The northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes extension project provides travelers with a more reliable travel experience while easing congestion on our highways,” MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said in a statement. “Through innovation and safety, this project represents our commitment to modernize Maryland’s infrastructure and enhance mobility options.”

Olde Towne Gaithersburg road work to begin later this month

A road maintenance and construction project is scheduled to begin later this month in the heart of Olde Towne Gaithersburg. Beginning April 23, 2024, contractors will be upgrading traffic signals, curbs, and sidewalks around the intersection of Summit Avenue at E. Diamond Avenue. They will also be resurfacing part of each road. Businesses in the area will remain open throughout the work, which is scheduled to be completed in October. Most of the work will be performed during business hours. There will be temporary "No Parking" signs posted 48 hours prior to any necessary closure of parking spaces.

Montgomery County police to conduct saturation patrols all St. Patrick's Day weekend

Montgomery County police will be conducting saturation patrols across the jurisdiction this weekend, in an attempt to deter and catch drunk drivers. Almost 50% of traffic-related deaths on St. Patrick's Day weekend historically have been caused by people driving while intoxicated, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Deployment of the full Alcohol Initiatives Unit, and overtime pay for the extra officers on the streets this weekend, are being partially-funded by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Joining County officers on patrol this weekend will be cruisers from the Maryland State Police - Rockville Barrack N, the Maryland Transportation Authority police, the County’s Sheriff’s Department, and the Maryland-National Capital Park police.

“If you plan to drink, do not drive,” Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said in a statement. “Our officers will be conducting saturation patrols throughout the County and arresting intoxicated drivers. The tragedy that occurs when people get behind the wheel intoxicated is 100 percent preventable.”

County officials are urging those who plan to drink, and do not already have a plan to safely return home, to utilize the SoberRide program. The free ride-home program is offered through the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) in partnership with Lyft. Promotional codes for Lyft will be posted online at 11:00 AM on Sunday, March 17, on SoberRide.com. The codes are valid for up to $15-off on one ride home taken in Lyft’s Washington, D.C., coverage area from noon on Sunday, March 17, until midnight on Monday, March 18. The number of codes is limited, and participants must be 21 or older. Officials also suggest using the County's Ride On bus service.

“There are ample ride services that will get you home safety,” County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin said. “If you are choosing to celebrate with alcohol this St. Patrick’s Day, plan out your ride home ahead of time to keep our shared roadways safe for everyone.”

Olde Towne Gaithersburg utility project slows traffic (Photos)

Nighttime utility work in Olde Towne Gaithersburg tonight is slowing traffic. The project is at the intersection of Summit and Diamond Avenues, and is moderately impacting traffic on both roads. NPL of Landover is the contractor, which specializes in energy pipelines.

WSSC to replace water main under Montgomery Village Avenue

A major water main replacement project in Montgomery Village will take the WSSC utility about two years to complete. WSSC will replace the 1960s 24" water main that runs under Montgomery Village Avenue between Midcounty Highway and Centerway Road. Work will begin in January 2022.

Customers may experience service interruptions of up to 8 hours each over the two year period, with at least 48 hours' advance notice. Work will be performed between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Expect lane closures and parking restrictions.

Resurfacing at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg (Photos)

A resurfacing project is underway at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Watch for temporary lane and road closures. Here you can see the fresh new road, and painting and striping, of Boardwalk Place. But also of note, they have added clearly-marked curbside pickup spaces in some spots.

3 Gaithersburg railroad crossings to close for CSX maintenance this month

Three CSX Metropolitan Branch railroad crossings will close on a staggered schedule this month so the railroad can perform necessary maintenance work. The closures will begin this weekend with the Metropolitan Grove crossing tomorrow, March 20, 2021. It will be closed two-to-three days for the work.

Two other crossings will close for the same amount of time after that. The Summit Avenue crossing will close on March 25, and the Chestnut Street crossing on March 29. All of these dates could shift for reasons ranging from weather to railroad operations.

Watch for barricades and detours during the closures. There will be no disruption to Amtrak or MARC service during the closures. The Metropolitan Branch is part of an Amtrak and CSX route between Washington, D.C. and Chicago, via Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

New traffic light installed on Watkins Mill Road in Gaithersburg

Since the new Watkins Mill interchange opened at I-270, there has been a four-way stop governing the intersection of Watkins Mill Road and Spectrum Boulevard. A traffic signal has now been installed, and should be operational soon.

Temporary closure on ICC this weekend

Traffic alert: There will be a temporary closure along the ICC this weekend, as the Maryland Transportation Authority begins replacing the electronic tolling gantries with newer, updated ones. Closures are expected between January 24 and 27, 2020 and again next weekend. Follow the detours below this weekend and next.

Beginning at 9:00 PM tonight, Friday, January 24, and continuing until 5:00 AM on Monday, January 27, westbound traffic on the ICC/MD 200 will be detoured at New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650). The detour route will direct motorists north on New Hampshire Avenue to Norbeck Road, west to Layhill Road (MD 182) ,and south on Layhill Road back to westbound ICC/MD 200.

The following weekend, from 9:00 PM Friday, January 31, until 5:00 AM on Monday, February 3, eastbound ICC/MD 200 traffic will be detoured at Layhill Road (MD 182). The detour route will direct motorists north on Layhill Road to Norbeck Road, east on Norbeck Road to New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) and south on New Hampshire Avenue back to eastbound ICC/MD 200.

Photo via MDTA

Watkins Mill I-270 interchange status update

The new Watkins Mill Road interchange with Interstate 270 is now 80% complete, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration. SHA says the delivery date is now anticipated to be Fall 2020. Expect nighttime closures of up to 3 lanes in each direction when workers are placing concrete decks. There will also be occasional closures of the left lane in the northbound local lanes between I-370 and Exit 11, to allow installation of overhead sign foundations.