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Rockville, MD, Jul 23, 2012 -

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, and Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (all D-MD) marked the completion of a road repaving project that improved more than 43 miles of seven roadways using $6.744 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding.   The funds for this project employed 50 people; 47 by the paving contractor and people and three contract inspectors hired by the County.  The selected roads were designated as high priority projects by the County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) because of their deteriorated condition. 

“With almost three million jobs saved or created, the Recovery Act continues to pay dividends in our community and across the country,” said Congressman Chris Van Hollen. “The completion of these much-needed repair projects means safer, more efficient roads in Montgomery County. I will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners to ensure Maryland has a 21st century transportation system that reduces congestion, modernizes all aspects of our infrastructure, and provides communities with more options for safe walking and biking.”

“We are grateful to President Obama, our Federal delegation – Senators Mikulski and Cardin and U.S. Representatives Van Hollen and Edwards -- the Federal Highway Administration and the Maryland State Highway Administration for the economic stimulus package that has given a boost to our local economy,” said County Executive Leggett.  “ARRA is working in Montgomery County – and the result is greater investment in our transportation infrastructure.  The County received nearly $168 million in ARRA funding for a variety of projects, including more than $15 million for transportation projects and the purchase of new Ride On buses.  With these ARRA funds, we are building a more sustainable future with economic development opportunities, green jobs and improved technologies.”

 “A reliable and well maintained infrastructure is vital to create jobs today in construction and jobs tomorrow through economic growth,” said Senator Barbara Mikulski. “Smart funding for Maryland’s highways and byways, ports and bridges is laying the groundwork for our future. I am proud to put funds in the federal checkbook to improve safety and ease congestion throughout Montgomery County.  These investments in our businesses and communities follow through on my commitment to stand up for jobs and improve the quality of life for all Marylanders.” 

For the seven repaving projects, the Division of Highway Services (DHS) removed and replaced defective curbs, gutters, sidewalks and pavement surfaces; patched pavement; and installed pavement line markings and raised, reflective pavement markers.

The following were repaved:

• More than 10 lane miles of Shady Grove Road from I-270 to Darnestown Road. Bike lanes and acceleration lanes were added and non-standard traffic barriers were replaced.  ADA ramps were added to sidewalks. 
• Nearly 10 lane miles of Barnesville Road from Mt. Ephraim Road to Maryland Route 117.  This project improved safety with new traffic barriers and thermoplastic pavement markings.
• About 4.5 miles of Randolph Road from east of Nebel Street to Rock Creek Bridge.  Replaced existing sidewalk and ramps with standard sidewalks and ADA ramps.  Installed new thermoplastic pavement markings with track symbols near railroad tracks.
• About 3.6 lane miles of Forest Glen Road from Maryland Route 97 to Brunett Avenue.  Improved pavement striping by adding bike lanes and a pedestrian crossing at the Sligo Creek intersection. Removed ditch along edge of roadway improving access and eliminating unsafe drop off.  Installed standard concrete curb and gutters.  Replaced existing sidewalk and ramps with standard sidewalks and ADA ramps.
• More than 10 lane miles of Old Columbia Pike from Maryland Route 198 to U.S. Route 29, Columbia Pike on-ramp.  Replaced existing sidewalk and ramps with standard sidewalks and ADA ramps. Improved storm water drainage at various locations. Worked with Paint Branch High School to improve access for entrances and exits. Installed roadside traffic barriers protecting hazardous embankments.
• Nearly five lane miles of Travilah Road from Dufief Road to River Road.  Increased roadside safety with new traffic barriers and thermoplastic pavement markings and improved operating conditions.
• About 3.7 lane miles of Wightman Road from Brink Road to Goshen Road. Realigned the concrete median at the intersection of Montgomery Village Avenue, improving traffic flow. Repaired shoulder area at Great Seneca Park entrance across from Brink Road.  Installed hot mix asphalt base to restore roadway integrity.  Replaced roadside non-standard traffic barriers.

“Maintaining our road network is a fundamental government responsibility, a responsibility that was recognized by the Obama Administration and Congress in providing us with these critical needed funds,” said County Council President Roger Berliner. “With the help of the federal government, we have been able to improve the quality of life for our residents.”

MCDOT’s other ARRA funding went to the Division of Traffic Engineering (DTE) and the Division of Transit Services (DTS). 

DTE received nearly $1.75 million for four projects to improve traffic flow and traffic and pedestrian safety to:

• Upgrade deficient and substandard guardrail end treatments throughout the County along Federal roads eligible for aid;
• Install traffic signal power backup units Countywide to minimize the effect of power outages on traffic flow;
• Upgrade traffic warning signs Countywide to improve visibility at night and during poor weather conditions; and
• Install streetlights along Maryland Route 124 to improve traffic and pedestrian safety.

DTS received $6.55 million to replace existing buses with 12 energy efficient, diesel-electric hybrids and one clean diesel bus, which have been in service since November 2011. DTS also received $350,000 to purchase new bid/dispatch software that is increasing efficiency in managing work assignments and daily dispatching.

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