State Highway Administration to Open Brookeville Bypass on MD 97 (Georgia Ave) to Traffic

Per the MDSHA: The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will open the new Brookeville Bypass on MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) in Montgomery County to traffic on Sunday, May 21, weather permitting. While additional work remains on the overall $46.8 million Brookeville project, the administration is able to open the two-lane, 0.7-mile bypass now, including its bicycle-compatible shoulders between north of Goldmine Road and south of Holiday Drive.

The new roadway will allow through-traffic to circumvent the historic town, making Georgia Avenue more accessible and safer for local residents, cyclists and pedestrians. MD 97 functions as a major north-south commuter route between Brookeville and northern Montgomery and Frederick counties.
“Opening the bypass to traffic brings us one step closer to completing of this long-awaited project for the Town of Brookeville,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “This new highway will enhance safety and reduce travel times while preserving the historic nature of the community.”

The project includes the construction of two bridges – one at Meadow Branch stream and the other at Reddy Branch stream – and two single-lane roundabouts that will improve traffic flow and safety operations. Other improvements include the construction of Americans with Disability Act compliant sidewalk ramps, new stormwater management facilities and drainage systems, new lighting and signage, and new paving and pavement markings.

“The State Highway Administration is committed to delivering a safe, sustainable and inclusive transportation network to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists,” said State Highway Administrator Tim Smith. “Thanks to our partners for helping us deliver this project that will connect residents to life’s opportunities.”

Those partners include the Town of Brookeville, Montgomery County, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, the Maryland Historic Trust and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

The overall Brookeville Bypass project is slated for completion in late summer 2023. Remaining items include stormwater management work, resurfacing and sidewalk reconstruction. More information on the project is available here​. Customers with questions may contact the State Highway Administration District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll-free at 1-800-749-0737. With warm weather upon us, all motorists are urged to remain vigilant for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Remember that motorcycles can be hidden from view in vehicle blind spots.