State and local officials in Maryland broke ground on a $74.8 million interchange project to replace the existing MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) at Randolph Road signalized intersection in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County provided more than $14 million to advance the interchange project, which was one of their top transportation priorities.

“Thanks to strong federal and local government partnerships, we are delivering an innovative transportation project that will relieve congestion, improve safety and create jobs,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “This project also will help us meet our goals of doubling transit ridership by 2020 and reducing Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020 by extending the Glenmont Greenway Trail to provide cyclists and transit users easier access to the Glenmont Metro Station.”

This project involves constructing a new interchange to replace the existing MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) / Randolph Road signalized intersection by lowering Randolph Road nearly 25 ft. (7.6 m) to allow through traffic to go under Georgia Avenue. New turn lanes and ramps will provide turning movements. The project also includes adding one additional through lane along Georgia Avenue for a total of three through lanes in each direction. Additional improvements include extending the Glenmont Greenway Trail on the west side of Georgia Avenue an additional 900 ft. (274 m) past Randolph Road to Mason Street and adding new sidewalks.

“MD 97 and Randolph Road are both critical roadways in Montgomery County, used by 86,000 drivers each day, and constructing this new interchange will improve safety and allow families to spend more time together and less time stuck in traffic," said Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown. “By working with our partners in both local and federal governments, we’re making the investments in our infrastructure that allow us to create jobs, reduce congestion, and support Maryland’s growing economy.”

The project will reduce congestion and improve traffic safety by separating through traffic by lowering Randolph Road nearly 25 ft. under Georgia Avenue, which will remove traffic conflict points and provide free-flow traffic on Randolph Road through the interchange. The additional through lane on Georgia Avenue also will reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic operations for commuters, pedestrians and cyclists. Extending the Glenmont Greenway Trail will enhance access to the Glenmont Metro Station, helping to increase transit ridership. The construction cost for this project is $44.4 million and the project should be complete in winter 2016, weather permitting.

“This is a long awaited and much needed road improvement that will reduce congestion in the Glenmont area,” said County Councilmember Andrews.

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