SHA to Temporarily Close Access to Rickenbacker Drive at MD 124

[Howard Hartman]

State Highway Administration to Temporarily
Close Access to Rickenbacker Drive at MD 124

Weekend Closure is Necessary to Improve Intersection Pavement;
Motorists Should Expect Detours and Possible Delays

(August 26, 2009) This weekend, the Maryland Department of Trransportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) will temporarily close access to and from Rickenbacker Drive at MD 124 (Woodfield Road) to make safety improvements. This work is part of the $57.3 million widening project along MD 124 between Airpark Road and Rosewood Manor Lane in Gaithersburg.

Weather permitting, crews are scheduled to close Rickenbacker Drive at MD 124 on Saturday, August 29 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The existing roadway at this intersection is two feet lower than the new roadway and would create a safety hazard for drivers. Crews will work this weekend to raise the pavement grade at the intersection.

Traffic will be directed to Airpark Road and Chennault Way as alternatives to using Rickenbacker Drive; MD 124 will remain open to traffic. SHA will provide flaggers and VMS to direct motorists through the detours and work zones.

Motorists should be prepared for minor delays. The work is part of the MD 124 widening project between Airpark Road and Rosewood Manor Lane, which began spring 2008 and is expected to be complete summer 2010, weather permitting.

SHA reminds all drivers to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, think orange, and stay alert. Customers who have questions about traffic operations along MD 124 or other State numbered routes in Montgomery County may call SHA's District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll free at 1-800-749-0737.

Rickenbacker Drive at MD 124 in Gaithersburg