Lane Closures Launch on 355 South

The Maryland State Highway Administration launched periodic off-peak lane closures on the Rockville Pike Friday as part of preparation work for a BRAC-related intersection improvement project at Rockville Pike and Cedar Lane.

The lane closures are expected to last until at least mid-May, with SHA planning more periodic southbound closures between Cedar Lane and North Drive. The closures will allow crews to transport and remove utility poles and wiring material, according to a news release.

The periodic closures will happen between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays.

The intersection improvement project is among a host of transportation upgrades around the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center planned to ease the local impact of the federally-mandated Base Realignment and Closure process, which 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.

The lane closures will also affect sidewalk access, according to SHA. Pedestrians are advised to follow any safety markings on their walking route. PEPCO is performing the work and may be reached at 1-877-737-2662 for any electricity interruptions.

Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org for current travel information. Follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA.

BRAC updates are also available via twitter at @BracMoCoMD.