A big traffic change for commuters in Prince George’s County began Sunday. If your morning commute includes MD-4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) at Suitland Parkway in Upper Marlboro, you might want to plan to leave a little earlier.
The new traffic pattern is a part of a $238 million project to build a diamond-shaped interchange there.
“I won’t be going that way,” Capitol Heights resident Tanya Forbes said with a laugh. “I will be avoiding that way.”
But state leaders say because this portion of the county has grown so much, the area needs a new diamond-shaped interchange.
“They’re very highly effective and are also very safe for motorists as well,” Charlie Gischlar of the Maryland State Highway Administration said. “We can move a lot of traffic through a diamond interchange very quickly and efficiently.”
So what exactly will be different about the traffic pattern?
Traffic has switched to a new temporary road in order for crews to continue putting up overpasses and other infrastructure for the new interchange, Gischlar said.
The new traffic pattern consists of two lanes in both directions while maintaining dual left-turn lanes on northbound MD 4 to Suitland Parkway, according to the State Highway Administration’s website.
You can see an interactive version of the traffic map here.
The changes will be in place for about two years as construction continues. It will take drivers some time to get used to, so if you normally travel through the area, add some extra travel time to your commute
Drivers who spoke to News4 said they aren’t thrilled.
“I think whatever they’re planning on doing is not really going to alleviate an issue,” Forbes said. “I think it’s going to create more of a traffic nightmare.”
She continued: “Well, it’s a lot of congestion and confusion with the shifting of the lanes and the construction anyway, so that right there to me doesn’t make sense to alleviate a problem of traffic.”
District Heights resident Dexter McClendon told News4: “I think it’s going to make it worse.”
This is the third of six phases for this project. It’s set to be completed in 2029.
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/mCw2vp3
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