From Ian Chamberlain, Construction Manager
As the City of Takoma Park’s Construction Manager, I oversee or coordinate work on a number of construction projects. Part of my job is to be the City’s representative to the State Highway Administration’s (SHA) Carroll Avenue Bridge reconstruction project.
The Carroll Avenue Bridge will close on the morning of Monday, July 25 and remain closed for a period of 1 to 1 ½ years, so that the bridge deck and many components can be replaced. A pedestrian bridge has been built and is now open, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to cross Sligo Creek during construction.
I attend weekly project team meetings, gaining vital information regarding progress or setbacks, while providing community feedback to the contractor or SHA. More importantly, I pass information back to the various City departments as needed. As the bridge closure date is less than seven days away, a team of City staff is reviewing how to make sure information is communicated to the public and identifying places where police officers can help facilitate use of the correct detour routes. Construction always brings unforeseen challenges, it is how a group responds to those challenges that defines success. On that note, please be proactive in preparing for this undertaking.
Plan Ahead & Stay Informed
Please plan now for changing your routes around the area. The planned detour route is expected to be congested for the first several weeks as commuters get used to the new traffic pattern. Washington Adventist Hospital will remain open during the construction. We have information on our website that we will keep up to date.
Go to the Carroll Avenue Bridge Construction page to learn about the detour routes. Also on the site are links to the State Highway webpage for the project and to the Ride-On website for information on changes to bus routes and bus stops.
If, during the construction, you see a dangerous situation as a result of the bridge detour, contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100. The dispatchers can send officers to the scene and can contact project staff. If you have other comments or complaints about project elements that aren’t immediately dangerous, contact SHA’s District 3 Community Liaison, Christopher Bishop, at cbishop@sha.state.md.us.
This is a big project and it will be disruptive. Please know that I am a resource for residents, the contractor and State Highway Administration. I am happy to answer questions and educate about the project. I hope my role will help smooth the disruptions a bit while the Carroll Avenue Bridge is renovated.
Ian Chamberlain
Construction Manager
Email: IanC@takomaparkmd.gov
Phone: 301-891-7611
