Project Description

This safety and resurfacing improvements project on MD 185 (Connecticut Avenue) in Montgomery County includes patching PCC bus pads, grinding and resurfacing the existing pavement and installing stamped concrete and landscaping in the existing median. FMCC was also responsible for replacing existing inlets, cleaning existing inlets, and upgrading the pedestrian ramps to meet current ADA standards. Damaged curbs and gutters were replaced and pavement markings were applied upon completion. The end result is a magnificent, smooth surface, improved from its original state and a far safer for the traveling public.

 

Project Significance

When completing the standard milling to prepare for resurfacing in August 2014, crews found the road base pavement to be in an advan¬¬ced state of deterioration, meaning the asphalt originally planned to be used could not be applied, as a stronger, more fibrous mix was needed to offset the deterioration.
SHA officials made the decision to authorize an emergency paving schedule and closed two lanes at a time in one direction to perform the complete repaving that was unexpectedly necessarily. Daytime traffic was a short-term frustration to DC drivers since work was originally scheduled to be completed exclusively at night. Fort Myer’s crews worked around the clock to complete the emergency work as soon as possible and deliver the highest quality surface in a safe manner.

 

Project Praise

“SHA realizes and appreciates the logistical challenges that were overcome by Rodney D’Avanzo and Fort Myer Construction to complete the repairs in an aggressively expedited timeframe after it was placed into emergency repair status. SHA is well aware of the time, energy and attention to detail that this project demanded and it was reassuring to know that we could count on Mr. D’Avanzo to go the extra mile to accomplish a successful task.”
– Vince Rethemeyer, Area Engineer Maryland State Highway Administration