Downed Tree Damages Car, Snarls Beltway Traffic
Shortly before 9AM Sunday, a large tree fell down on the Inner Loop of the Beltway between River Road and Bradley Blvd.
Immediately after the tree fell, a passing car struck part of the tree in the roadway. Fortunately, nobody was injured.
Firefighters from the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department and the Carderock Naval Surface Warfare Center quickly cleared the downed tree. They were assisted by a passing landscaping crew who stopped and assisted. Several lanes were briefly blocked but have since reopened.
Latest Beltway Project Increases Roadway Friction, Should Decrease Crashes
Featured Photo Courtesy of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad
Next week, Maryland State Highway Administration Contractors will begin installing the latest safety improvement designed to improve safety and reduce crashes on an especially problematic section of the Beltway.
On the Outer Loop of the Beltway between Connecticut Avenue and the Big Curve over the I-270 Spur, crews will apply a high friction surface treatment to the roadway. This treatment will increase friction, allowing vehicles to stop in shorter distances and reduce skidding and hydroplaning.
In a written statement, Maryland State Highway Administrator Tim Smith said, “This project will improve the roadway surface as one strategy to reduce crashes on the Capital Beltway. This engineering solution will make the roadway safer, especially when coupled with motorists being cautious and obeying posted speed limits.”
Contractors will close lanes on the Outer Loop between 7PM and 5AM beginning Monday, February 8. Crews will work every night of the week; completion is expected by Mid-February.
Fire Engine Struck at Beltway Crash Scene
Photos Courtesy of Chevy Chase Fire Company 7
Around 11:30 Monday morning, emergency responders were dispatched to a single vehicle collision on the Outer Loop of the Beltway between Connecticut Avenue and Rockville Pike.
While responders were on scene of the first crash, Paramedic Engine 707 was struck by a passing vehicle. No firefighters were injured; the driver of the striking vehicle was transported to the hospital minor injuries.
The fire engine that was struck, a 2008 Spartan housed in the Chevy Chase Fire Station on Connecticut Avenue, was significantly damaged and had to be towed from the scene.
Responders throughout the DC area have responded to numerous collisions during the recent winter weather.
Next Stage of Beltway Overpass Rehabilitation Includes 1 Month of Weeknight Beltway Closures
Beginning at 9PM on Sunday, January 24, Maryland State Highway Administration contractors will begin setting new steel beams as part of the rehabilitation of the Seminary Road bridge over the Beltway, between Connecticut and Georgia Avenues.
This bridge rehabilitation includes replacing the bridge deck/driving surface and the steel framework below the deck. This next stage involves setting the steel beams for the future Northbound lane of Seminary Road. As crews will be working directly above the Beltway, the lanes below the steel work will need to be closed.
Crews will be closing lanes every weeknight between this Sunday (January 24th) and late February. Crews will close one lane at 9PM, two lanes at 10PM and three lanes at 11PM. Crews may also stop all four lanes of traffic in each direction for up to 15 minutes at a time. Maryland Route 200 (the Intercounty Connector), and Maryland Route 410 (East-West Highway) are good alternatives to use during these closures.
Featured Photo Courtesy of the Maryland State Highway Administration
Two Suffer Life-Threatening Injuries After Beltway Rollover
Around 1:40PM Saturday, Montgomery and Fairfax County Firefighters responded to the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway (I-495 North) between Persimmon Tree Road and River Road for a reported overturned vehicle. Responders found a vehicle that had ran off the roadway and struck a large, ground-mounted sign before overturning.
Firefighters and Paramedics evaluated 2 patients, both suffering from life threatening injuries. They were both transported to an area trauma center by Montgomery County Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians from the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack Troopers handled the crash report.
Photos Courtesy MCFRS Spokesperson Pete Piringer
