BRAC-related utility work that has prompted the temporary closure of Elmhirst Drive in Bethesda has been extended through late April, according to a Maryland State Highway Administration news release.

The work is in preparation for a major intersection improvement project near Cedar Lane and the Rockville Pike, one of a host of transportation upgrades around the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The federally-mandated Base Realignment and Closure process drew 2,500 new employees to the military hospital last year and is expected to nearly double the amount of annual visitors to one million.

Crews have been working on relocating a water line near Elmhirst since early March, according to the release, and will soon begin relocation of a sanitary line. Elmhirst Drive will be closed 24 hours a day during the sanitary line relocation, and crews will be working weekdays between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

BRAC work preparations are also prompting off-peak lane closures on the Rockville Pike.

For real time BRAC construction updates, follow the county’s newly-minted BRAC Twitter account at @BracMoCoMD. Questions about the intersection improvement projects can be directed to SHA at 410-545-0303.