Multiple bridge projects to close roads this summer; county programs analysis funds for Randolph–CSX grade separation

Montgomery County staff told the Transportation and Environment Committee on March 3 that several bridge projects in the CIP will require closures and detours and that the County Executive’s amendment programs technical funding changes and a new rehabilitation project.

Project highlights: County staff said construction on the Dennis Avenue bridge replacement will begin in spring 2025 and be completed in the fall; the bridge will be closed during construction. The Garrett Park Road bridge replacement will be closed to traffic June–August of the current year; staff said a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed to maintain pedestrian and bicycle access across Rock Creek. The committee requested, and staff committed to, advance community notifications because closures affect multiple districts.

New project and analysis funding: The committee packet included a new $1,000,000 project to rehabilitate the existing Gregg Road bridge (built in 1958) with reuse of existing abutments; construction is scheduled to begin in FY26 and end in FY27 with a full vehicular closure and detour. In the bridge-design (bridal design) program, the County Executive added $75,000 from recordation tax premium to support a Maryland State Highway Administration analysis of a potential grade separation at Randolph Road and CSX railroad tracks; staff said this would be an SHA project with county-contribution funds for the analysis.

Community outreach and timing: Committee members and staff noted prior public engagement on bridge projects but asked for renewed outreach to affected neighborhoods ahead of summer closures, and for coordination across districts when a project in one district affects neighboring communities (for example, pedestrian detours used by residents in adjacent districts). Staff said some projects already had public meetings and that the department will provide updates before construction begins.