County Completes Widening Of Important East-West Transportation Link

Header--Montgomery County, Maryland. Press Releases

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Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Edgar Gonzalez, 240-777-7220

For Immediate Release (December 17, 1999)

COUNTY COMPLETES WIDENING OF IMPORTANT
EAST-WEST TRANSPORTATION LINK

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today joined Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Chairman William Hussmann and County Councilmember Marilyn Praisner in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting commemorating completion of the widening of a two-mile portion of East Randolph Road from Burkhart Street to Old Columbia Pike. East Randolph Rd. is the only continuous connector between I-270 and US 29 with at least four traffic lanes.

"Randolph Rd. is an important cross-County, east-west link that will make a real difference in relieving traffic congestion," said Duncan. "This project is an outstanding example of the way in which County staff ensures that roads are good neighbors -- working in partnership with the community to effectively incorporate safety, environmental protection, and aesthetics."

In order to increase road capacity, the $12.5 million project widened a section of East Randolph Rd. from two lanes to five, and added sidewalks on both sides of the road.

Special measures were taken to improve safety by banking curves and reducing the steepness of hills, which improves visibility.

"This project was a long time in coming and had many environmental and community impact challenges," said County Councilmember Marilyn Praisner. "But, I'm pleased we were able to work through the issues because the road provides necessary additional traffic relief."

To reduce environmental impacts on parkland, the section of road running through Pilgrim Hill and Valley Mill Parks was constructed as a four-lane road. Three stormwater management facilities were built in accordance with state and local environmental laws.

During the design stage of the project, eight public meetings were held to gather input from the community. Many of the comments received during these meetings were incorporated into the project plans. For instance, right-of-way widths were balanced against the concerns of adjacent property owners and a narrower width was used, where feasible. Fencing or landscaping was installed at various locations based on comments from individual property owners and citizens' groups.

"We are pleased to see completion of this project and gratified that its success is due to the dedication and cooperation of everyone involved in development of this road," said Albert J. Genetti, Jr., director of Montgomery County's Department of Public Works and Transportation.

"Throughout the years of planning and development, the County made many changes in response to community and M-NCPPC comments that significantly improved the final product and quality of life for nearby residents," said Genetti. "The active support and interest of the community, our elected officials and the M-NCPPC have provided the backing for this much needed road improvement that also enhances access to Metro service in Glenmont."

An eight-foot wide hiker/biker trail connecting Pilgrim Hill Park and Valley Mill Park was constructed in coordination with the M-NCPPC. Previously, users of Paint Branch Trail had to cross East Randolph Rd. Now, the new connection provides users of the trail with a safe, continuous passage under the road.

"This Randolph Road widening shows you can add needed road capacity, make room for hikers and bikers, and limit the impact on the surrounding environment," said County Council President Michael L. Subin.

Howard Needles Tammen and Bergendorf, Inc. designed the project, in association with Loiderman Associates, Inc. The project was constructed by D. & F. Construction.

For more information on the project, contact Edgar Gonzalez, Chief, Engineering Services Division, Department of Public Works and Transportation, at 240-777-7220.

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