UPDATE: All lanes are now open on the outer loop I-495 after this morning’s crash involving an Amazon truck.

An overturned Amazon truck with spill has closed several lanes on the outer loop of I-495 between Georgia Ave (exit 31) and Connecticut Ave (exit 33), according to the Maryland State Highway Administration. The incident occurred around 6am on Sunday morning and as of 12pm, only a single left lane gets by, according to @WTOPTraffic on twitter.

The truck has been turned over and cleanup of package debris is underway.  Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and to expect significant delays.

UPDATE: Montgomery County; Crash – O/L I-495 prior to exit 33 MD 185. The 3 right lanes are closed. #MDTraffic #MDOTnews soc

— MD State Highway Adm (@MDSHA) October 23, 2022

I-495 Beltway Outer Loop btwn Georgia Ave (x31) and Connecticut Ave (x33), STAY far LEFT, overturned truck w/ spill #SilverSpring #MdTraffic #DCTraffic

Traffic 🔗 https://t.co/nb3VFRiL30
Listen 🔗 https://t.co/KpJlqq28EF
Tipline: 📞 866-304-9867 pic.twitter.com/fMMvHkSbjA

— WTOP Traffic (@WTOPtraffic) October 23, 2022

Per Montgomery County:
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is beginning a $3.7 million safety and resurfacing project on MD 108 from Olney Mill Road to Brooke Road in Olney. Weather permitting, the 3.7-mile project is expected to be complete by late summer 2023.
In addition to pavement milling and resurfacing, the project will:

Per the State of Maryland:
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today declared October as Move Over Awareness Month in recognition of an expanded law taking effect on Saturday to protect all road users. Read the Move Over Awareness Month proclamation.

“Moving over and slowing down when passing a vehicle stopped on the highway isn’t just a matter of following the law—it is about saving lives,” said Governor Hogan. “This is especially critical to protect the crews and first responders who are working on the roads within inches of fast-moving traffic. We can all do our part to make sure that everyone gets where they’re going safely.”

The governor is issuing this proclamation today as part of a unified statewide effort—including an event being held this afternoon in Upper Marlboro featuring attendees from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), the Maryland General Assembly, and AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Background on Expanded Move Over Law. The expanded Move Over Law (SB147) requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching any vehicle that is stopped or parked and displaying hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signs. The expanded law is in place to protect law enforcement, emergency responders, and any motorist who may encounter a roadside emergency and must stop near travel lanes. Maryland is the eighth state to expand its Move Over Law to include all disabled vehicles.

Previously, the Move Over Law applied only when approaching law enforcement vehicles, tow trucks, and emergency response vehicles and equipment. Last year, 1,847 citations were issued for move-over violations in Maryland. 

• Roadside Emergencies: The state’s Highway Safety Office has published a guide for what to do in the event of a roadside emergency.

Public Awareness Campaign. Surveys by state transportation officials have shown that the overwhelming majority of drivers are unaware of the provisions of the Move Over Law and the importance of slowing down when approaching vehicles stopped on the highway.

MDOT and the Maryland State Police will continue to collaborate with federal, state, local, and grassroots partners on efforts to raise awareness of the expanded law. ‘Move Over or Slow Down’ messaging will be promoted on social media platforms as well as major roadways across the state.

Josiah Henson Pkwy and Town Rd are currently closed due to a damaged gas line near Pike & Rose.  According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Pete Piringer, construction workers struck a high pressure gas line along Town Rd. HazMat crews are currently on the scene and MCFRS is currently on standby. The Block Food Hall has been evacuated as a precaution. No residential occupancies appear to be directly involved. We will post an update when more information becomes available.

Per mcfrsPIO on twitter: “construction excavation area, damaged gas line leaking, area has been evacuated, checking area for hazards, some lanes/roads blocked. Towne Road and Prose St., Pike & Rose, gas leak, hazmat, @mcfrs PEZ723, PE721, PE726, PE703B, PE720, AT723, AT703, RS703, M726, A721, HM707, SU725, BC702, BC704, SA700, EMS703 & others responding”

Pike & Rose, Towne Rd, high pressure gas leak, area roads blocked, area cordoned off to pedestrians, some nearby blds evacuated as precaution https://t.co/y83qe5JqJ9 pic.twitter.com/aKwujhwzk8

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) September 27, 2022

Per Montgomery Couny:
For Immediate Release: Friday, August 5, 2022
From the Office of Councilmember Tom Hucker
ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 5, 2022—Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker released the following statement regarding the Federal Highway Administration’s decision to delay action on the I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Project:
“The Federal Highway Administration issued an important decision today that will delay action on an outdated and poorly conceived transportation plan that would build toll lanes on I-495 and I-270.

“This decision sends a message that our federal partners are united with us in our commitment to multi-modal, environmentally friendly, 21st century traffic solutions that actually work.

“After four years of organizing and advocacy for our County taxpayers, this is a big win for commuters, taxpayers and the environment. This decision reflects all the information Congressman Anthony Brown and I conveyed to Sec. Pete Buttigieg. I’m grateful to my Council colleagues, County Executive Marc Elrich and Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, who have been consistent advocates for common-sense traffic solutions and community input. I am equally grateful to all the community members and stakeholders who have provided input and voiced their concerns throughout this process.

“Today’s decision reflects the power of organizing and of community voices coming together for a common cause.

“We have seen transportation demands dramatically shift since the onset of the pandemic. With these shifting demands, it’s time our investments in infrastructure address the needs of all residents, not just those who own personal vehicles.

“Instead of emphasizing road development and highway widening to accommodate personal vehicles, we need more sustainable, multigenerational improvements in infrastructure that enhance connectivity and prioritize accessibility of public transit. And it is imperative that these projects pass climate and equity tests.

“While investing in climate-friendly, sustainable transit projects that improve equity in our region, we can also make minimal road improvements to reduce congestion, like with reversible lanes on I-270 and building a new American Legion Bridge.

“Thank you to the Federal Highway Administration for responding to the concerns of the communities impacted by this project and delaying action to allow additional time for constituents to understand the environmental, transportation and financial implications of this project.”

A collision with an overturned vehicle and entrapment has blocked several lanes on both northbound and southbound I270. The collision occurred on SB I270 between Rt 121 and Rt27, just before Exit 16 (one mile south of Exit 18) around 7:30am Thursday, according to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Pete Piringer.

Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and expect significant delays. We will post an update when more information becomes available.
Photo courtesy of @terrydelaghetto on Instagram.

SB I270 between Route 121 & Rt27, just before Exit 16, (~1 Mike South of Exit 18, collision with overturn vehicle and entrapment, @mcfrs M829, RS729, PE729, A734, PE734, EMS703 responding, some lanes blocked NB & SB

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) June 30, 2022

Below is a list of current scheduled construction and lane closures in Montgomery County that could affect your commute, courtesy of the Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation.
All work is performed weather permitting. Additional work hours and lane closure times may be necessary to expedite all phases of work and to keep all projects on schedule. Equipment used for construction may be disruptive. Real-time traffic information available at www.chart.maryland.gov or 1-855-466-3511.

• MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) from north of Gold Mine Road to south of Holiday Drive. MD 97 relocation project. Intermittent off-peak single and multiple off-peak lane closures, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and overnight, Sunday
through Thursday, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through year-end 2022. (MO746)

• Brookeville Road from MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) to Grayheaven Manor Road. Sewer relocation project. Full 24/7 road
closure with detour through late summer 2022. Drivers should add extra commute time and use MD 97 and MD 108 as
alternate routes. (MO746)

• Brighton Dam Road near MD 97 (Georgia Avenue). MD 97 relocation project excavation work. Off-road activity with
intermittent off-peak single lane closures, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through year-end
2022. (MO746)

• MD 124 (Montgomery Village Avenue) at Russell Avenue. Traffic signal pole replacement project. Single off-peak lane
closures, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through late summer 2022. (OOTS)

• MD 185 (Connecticut Avenue) at Jones Bridge Road/Kensington Parkway. Intersection improvement project. Single
off-peak lane closures on MD 185, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and overnight, Sunday through Thursday, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
and single off-peak lane closures on Jones Bridge Road, weekdays. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and overnight, 7 days per week, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through late summer 2023. (MO5935870)

• MD 185 at Saul Road. Signal reconstruction and intersection improvement project. Single off-peak lane closures with
occasional intermittent intersection closures of up to 15 minutes, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through year-end 2022. (OOS)

• I-270 (Eisenhower Highway) from Interstate 70 to I-495 (Capital Beltway). Traffic congestion relief construction
project. Intermittent off-peak single and multiple lane closures, weekdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and single and multiple
overnight lane closures, Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. with intermittent temporary ramp closures with detours up to 24 hours a day through year-end 2022. (MO069)

• I-270 (Eisenhower Highway) northbound and southbound from MD 28 (Montgomery Avenue) to MD 189 (Falls
Road). Traffic congestion relief construction project road widening and paving. Intermittent off-peak single and
multiple lane closures up to 24 hours a day through year-end 2022. (MO069)

• I-270 (Eisenhower Highway) southbound from MD 121 (Clarksburg Road) to MD 119 (Old Hundred Road). I-270
acceleration lane expansion project. Single and multiple off-peak lane closures, weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and
overnight Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and overnight Friday 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday morning through late summer 2022. (MO359)

The Maryland State Highway Administration’s Charlie Gischlar has told WTOP that repairs to fix the sinkhole caused by a failed corrugated drainage pipe in the right lane of I-270 southbound prior to Exit 9 I-370 in Montgomery County
will take several more weeks, and they are “hoping we can get it open by the Fourth of July holiday, if not sooner.” Drivers are encouraged to use MD 355 (Frederick Road) as an alternate route during this time.  According to the report, Montgomery County traffic officials have adjusted signal timing on 355 to help the flow of traffic.

On Tuesday, MCDOT announced that Ride On bus service routes 70,71,73,78,79, and 100 will experience detours for up to two weeks, effective immediately.

Also on 270, MCDOT said has said that the resurfacing project on I-270 south of MD 109 will continue from 7:00pm-4:00am each night until mid-July 2022 (weather permitting).

🚧ICYMI🚧
Last week, @MDSHA began a resurfacing project on I-270 south of MD 109 in @MontgomeryCoMD Expect lane closures on southbound I-270 in this area, between 7:00pm-4:00am each night until mid-July 2022. (weather permitting)

▶️https://t.co/JNLnUcgloO #MDTraffic @311MC311 pic.twitter.com/5AP93WfFWp

— MCDOT (@MCDOTNow) June 21, 2022

Per MCPD:
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Effective immediately, Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Ride On bus service routes 70,71,73,78,79, and 100 will experience detours for up to two weeks.

Detour information is as follows:

• Bus Route 70: To Bethesda Metro Station ONLY. Stay on Germantown Rd, left on Middlebrook Rd, right on Great Seneca Hwy, left on Sam Eig Hwy, and back on route.
• Bus Route 71: To Shady Grove Metro Station ONLY. Stay on W. Diamond Ave (bypassing exit to I-270 south), then right on Muddy Branch Rd, left on Diamondback Dr, left on I-370 to the station.
• Bus Route 73: To Shady Grove Metro Station ONLY. Stay on Frederick Rd (MD-355), left on Shady Grove Rd to the station.
• Bus Route 78: To Shady Grove Metro Station ONLY. Stay on W. Diamond Ave (bypassing exit to I-270 south), then right on Muddy Branch Rd, left on Diamondback Dr, and left on I-370 to the station.
• Bus Route 79: To Shady Grove Metro Station ONLY. Stay on Frederick Rd (MD-355), left on Shady Grove Rd to the station.
• Bus Route 100: To Shady Grove Metro Station ONLY. Stay on Germantown Rd, right on Frederick Rd (MD-355), and left on Shady Grove Rd to the station.

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at rideonbus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.

The Maryland State Highway Administration has said that repairs to fix the sinkhole caused by a failed corrugated drainage pipe in the right lane of I-270 southbound prior to Exit 9 I-370 in Montgomery County could take weeks, according to a report by WJLA. Currently MDOT is assessing the extent of the damage and advising drivers to use MD 355 (Frederick Road) as an alternate route.

Per MDOT:
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has closed two right lanes on southbound I-270 prior to I-370 in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County to assess a failed corrugated drainage pipe. Crews are currently assessing the extent of the damage and will begin work as soon as possible. Currently, there is no estimated time for lanes to reopen.

MDOT SHA is working with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation to adjust traffic signal timing on MD 355 (Frederick Road), which runs parallel to I-270. Additionally, MDOT SHA is using overhead message signs well in advance of the emergency road repair to alert driver of the situation, including both directions of I-70 in Frederick County.

Approximately 190,000 vehicles on average use this section of I-270 each day, so motorists are strongly encouraged to leave extra commute time, use alternate routes, or utilize mass transit. MDOT SHA will provide regular updates on Twitter @MDSHA and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MDOTSHA. Drivers can also get the latest real-time travel conditions, including access to live traffic cameras at https://chart.maryland.gov/.