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Collision Involving Overturned Vehicle on Rockville Pike

A traffic collision involving an overturned vehicle in the 1100 block of Rockville Pike has closed some lanes on southbound 355. Drivers are encouraged to seek an alternate route and expect delays. Per MCPD:
“Two lanes of southbound Rockville Pike between Templeton Place and Congressional Lane Drivers are closed as a result of a traffic collision.”

The incident occurred around 3:20pm on Wednesday afternoon. Rockville City Police and Montgomery County Fire & Rescue are currently on the scene. There are no reported injuries. Feature photo courtesy of Tara O’Connell.

 

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MDOT State Highway Administration Recommends Drivers Perform a 5-Minute of Walk-around of Vehicles Prior to Summer Season

Per MDOT:
Hot Summer Temperatures Can Leave Drivers Stranded on the Side of the Road
(May 18, 2022) – With vehicle travel nearing pre-pandemic levels and the start of the summer travel season approaching, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is recommending that drivers check their vehicles’ essential systems to prevent mechanical breakdowns. A simple “Five-Minute Walkaround” can potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs.

“Each year, we see vehicle breakdowns during the hot days of summer that could have been avoided with a simple check prior to a trip,” said MDOT SHA Chief Operating Officer Andre Futrell.  “A vehicle check only takes a few minutes and can help avoid costly repairs and keep you on the road.”

In 2021, MDOT SHA highway response technicians provided nearly 36,000 motorist assists, most of them due to vehicle mechanical breakdowns. Common sense preventative maintenance can provide a level of vehicle protection for drivers who are preparing to travel by motor vehicle during the hot summer months.

Check the following essential vehicle systems:

  • Tires. Ensure there is adequate tire tread and no apparent defects. Also make sure tire pressure is at the appropriate level.
  • Cooling system. Check the condition of cooling hoses and that there are no radiator leaks. An easy way to check on this is to put a piece of plain brown cardboard under the radiator for an evening and check the following morning for any leaks.
  • Essential fluids. Check the levels of engine oil, transmission, power steering and brake fluids.
  • Vehicle lighting systems. Ensure headlights, tail lights, running lights and turn signals are all operational. See and be seen.
  • Fuel. Make sure you have adequate fuel (gasoline or diesel) in the tank. For electric vehicles, make sure there’s a full charge before venturing on a trip.

Should a mechanical breakdown occur, motorists should get their vehicle as far out of travel lanes as possible and remain in the vehicle. Drivers can dial #77 for state police assistance.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers.  Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and, look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Please drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov

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Traffic Alert: All Westbound Lanes of Maryland 200 Closed at Georgia Avenue

10:47am Update: All lanes are now open on MD200 (ICC)
Police activity has closed all westbound lanes of Maryland 200 (ICC) at Georgia Avenue (MD 97), according to a tweet from Montgomery County Emergency Management at 9:30am Monday morning. All westbound traffic must exit at Georgia Avenue. Drivers are to expect significant delays and seek an  alternate route.

The Maryland Department of Transportation announced this morning that Westbound ICC/MD 200 would be temporarily detoured at Georgia Ave/MD 97 for police investigation from 7:30-8:30am, but it appears to have been extended. Detour south on Georgia Av – west on Norbeck Rd – East Gude Dr – north on Frederick Rd (MD 355) – north on Shady Grove Rd – WB ICC. We will post an update when the lanes have reopened.

 

 

 

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Collision Friday Morning on Connecticut Ave and Isbell St, Close Proximity to Thursday’s Collision That Is Currently Under Police Investigation

A collision with entrapment caused delays this morning on Connecticut Ave and Isbell St. in Glenmont. The trapped occupant has been extricated and two patients with Priority 3, non-life-threatening injuries were evaluated by EMS, according to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Pete Piringer. The collision occurred around 7:45am Friday morning and some lanes were blocked between Weller Road and Independence St.

Yesterday a collision occurred in close proximity at Connecticut Ave and Atherton Dr which resulted in five injured, including three juveniles, one with life-threatening injuries. That incident is currently under investigation. Police report below:

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) are investigating a two-vehicle collision that occurred on the morning of Wednesday, May 12, 2022, at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Atherton Drive.

At approximately 7:35 a.m., 4th District Officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the location for the report of a traffic collision that just occurred involving a 1997 White Ford F150 pulling a 2015 Holmes light duty trailer and a white 2015 Kia Optima.

The investigation has revealed that the operator of the Ford F150 was attempting to make a left turn from eastbound Atherton Drive to northbound Connecticut Avenue. The operator of the Kia Optima was traveling and continuing south on Connecticut Avenue. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.

The Ford F150 pulling the light duty trailer was carrying two adult individuals at the time of the collision. Both individuals were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The Kia Optima was carrying four individuals at the time of the collision. The driver and two juvenile passengers were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One additional juvenile passenger was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) continues to investigate this collision.  Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact CRU detectives at 240-773-6620

Photo courtesy of Google Maps.

 

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Traffic: Outer Loop I-495 Ramp to the Clara Barton Parkway (Exit 41) Will be Closed This Saturday and Sunday From 7am-7pm

Per MCDOT:

Weekend Work Along I-495 Outer Loop Ramp to Clara Barton Parkway

(April 4, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will perform tree trimming work this weekend to improve visibility along a portion of Interstate-495 (Capital Beltway) in Montgomery County. Between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10, crews will trim trees and other vegetation on the I-495 Outer Loop ramp to Exit 41, Clara Barton Parkway.

For the safety of work crews and the traveling public, a ramp closure and detour will be required while the work is taking place. During the ramp closure, motorists will be detoured via Exit 44, VA 193/Georgetown Pike and the Inner Loop of I-495 to access Clara Barton Parkway.

Drivers should allow extra time traveling in this area. MDOT SHA’s Fairland Shop is using electronic signs, cones and barrels to alert motorists about the emergency work, ramp closure and detour.

MDOT SHA works hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones for our crews as well as our customers. Drivers need to stay alert, focus on driving and look for reduced speed limits, as well as other driving pattern changes. Please drive like you work here and slow down in construction zones.

Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile device for roadside assistance.

For a list of all major MDOT SHA projects, go to Project Portal. Visit our homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.

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Traffic: Vehicle Fire Closes Several Lanes of OL 495 at River Rd

Some lanes on the outer loop of 495 are closed/blocked at River Road due to a vehicle fire, according to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Pete Piringer.

A minivan was fully engulfed and the bulk of fire has been knocked down. The incident involved a fuel spill.

Piringer tweeted the follow around 4:45pm on Friday: “OL I 495 beltway near exit 41 Clara Barton Parkway, vehicle fire, some lanes blocked.”

Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and expect significant delays.

Photo courtesy of Daniela Ackermann

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Traffic: List of Upcoming Lane Closures And Planned Construction in Montgomery County

Below is a list of current scheduled construction and lane closures in Montgomery County that could affect your commute.

Per MCDOT:

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.

Montgomery County
• 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)

• 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 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)

• 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

2022 Area Wide Resurfacing Locations
Area wide resurfacing jobs are smaller, mobile roadway maintenance projects. Intermittent/permissible work and lane closure hours for this work are: Single lane closures, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and single and multiple lane closures, overnight, Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Additional work times and lane closures may be needed to complete all projects at all locations. Equipment used for construction may be disruptive. Pedestrians and motorists should travel undistracted through all work zones and be aware of possible changes in pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Montgomery County Locations
• MD 28 (Darnestown Road) from MD 109 (Beallsville Road) to MD 117 (Bucklodge Road)
• MD 28 (Darnestown Road) from MD 118 (Germantown Road) to MD 124 (Quince Orchard Road)
• MD 108 from MD 27 (Ridge Road) to Howard Chapel Drive
• MD 108 (Laytonsville Road) from Howard Chapel Drive to MD 650 (Damascus Road)
• MD 109 (Beallsville Road) from MD 28 (Darnestown Road) to Comus Road
• MD 115 (Muncaster Mill Road) from Snouffer School Road to MD 655D (Norbeck Road)
• MD 118 (Germantown Road) from Richer Farm Road to I-270 (Eisenhower Highway)
• MD 124 (Quince Orchard Road/Montgomery Village Avenue) from MD 28 (Darnestown Road) to MD 355 (North
Frederick Road)
• MD 182 (Layhill Road) from MD 97 (Georgia Avenue) to Longmead Road
• MD 355 (Rockville Pike) from Pooks Hill Road to Jones Bridge Road
• MD 410 (east West Highway) at MD 185 (Connecticut Avenue)
• Southbound I 270 (Eisenhower Highway) from MD 118 (Germantown Road) to north of MD 27 (Father Hurley
Boulevard)
• Outer Loop of I-495 (Capital Beltway) from MD 193 (University Boulevard) to MD 97 (Georgia Avenue)
• Outer Loop of I-495 (Capital Beltway) from the Prince George’s County line to MD 193 (University Boulevard)

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Traffic: W. Diamond Avenue at I-270 Closed Due to Collision

Update: W. Diamond Avenue at I-270 is Now Open

W. Diamond Avenue at I-270 is temporarily shut down due to a traffic collision, according to the Gaithersburg Police Department.

Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Pete Piringer reports that the collision involved a “Volvo, delivery truck and passenger car.”

The delivery truck is leaking fuel and HazMat is currently on the scene to assist.

Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and to expect significant delays.

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Traffic: I-495 Closed at 355 Due to Collisions

I-495 is currently blocked between Connecticut Ave., and Rockville Pike, near the I270 split.

According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Pete Piringer, there was a multiple vehicle collision, which involved several people trapped, that occurred around 12:30pm on Wednesday.

One of the collisions involved a tractor trailer and fuel spill; hazmat is currently on the scene.

Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and to expect  significant delays.

We will post an update when more information becomes available.

 

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Speed Cameras Could be Coming to the ICC / Maryland Route 200

This past Friday, the Maryland General Assembly held a hearing to consider House Bill 811, which proposes the addition of speed cameras on MD Route 200.

The bill, which was introduced on February 3 of this year, would place cameras in areas where there have been a high number of collisions.

The posted speed limit on MD200 is 60mph and drivers would need to go 12mph over the limit to receive a ticket.  The average driver’s speed on the road 67mph, according to EZ Pass Maryland Transportation Authority data.

According to a report by WTOP, during Friday’s hearing, Delegate Vaughn Stewart (D-Montgomery), said “especially since the pandemic, the ICC has essentially become a racetrack. It’s basically like Talladega north, where folks are flagrantly and intentionally violating the 60 mile peed limit.”

Republican Maryland Delegate Neil Parrot suggested the ICC should instead increase the speed limit to 70 miles per hour.

In May 2020, ABC 7’s Kevin Lewis shared a video of motorcyclists speeding down the ICC.

 

 

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