BETHESDA, MD—Sections of the Capital Crescent Trail will be closed Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, June 2 – 13, 2008 as the Montgomery County Department of Parks makes significant improvements to the trail.
“We expect these changes will improve safety and provide a better experience for all trail users,” said Department of Parks Southern Region Division Chief Brian Woodward.
For up to two weeks, June 2 – 13, sections of the Montgomery County portion of the Capital Crescent Trail, about 5.5 miles of paved surface trail from Bethesda Avenue to the District line, will be closed to public access as the department’s contractor adds a center line to the trail, marks trail intersections and crosswalks and installs and marks speed limit signage along the trail. The 15 mile speed limit signage will be the first time a speed limit has been posted on the trail. The work is anticipated to proceed as follows:
– The first section to be improved on or about June 2: Bethesda Avenue to Little Falls Parkway
– Next section: Little Falls Parkway to Dorset Avenue
– Third section: Dorset Avenue to River Road
– Fourth section: River Road to Massachusetts Avenue
– Last section improved, no later than June 13: Massachusetts Avenue to the District line
“Our contractor will work as quickly as possible to finish before June 13, weather permitting,” added Woodward. “We appreciate trails users’ patience as we get this important work completed.”
The Capital Crescent Trail will remain open for use on weekends, Saturday and Sunday, during the project and at peak bicycle commuter times during the week, before 9:00 am and after 3:00 pm, to minimize service disruption. Park Police officers will also be stationed along section endpoints during project work hours to ensure the expeditious completion of the work.
“It is unfortunate that the trail has to be closed for any amount of time, but we are pleased that this work is being done in that it will enhance the safe use of the trail for all types of users,” said Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail Board Chair Peter Gray. “We also are appreciative of the consideration given to bikers who use the trail to commute to and from work.”
For more information or updates on the project, please call 301-299-0024 or visit www.MontgomeryTrails.org.
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Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866