Contract C
Project Details
Detailed neighborhood-by-neighborhood maps of Contract C. Note: Maps are subject to change due to design refinements.
Overview
Contract C extends 3.7 miles from just west of US 29 (Columbia Pike) to just east of I-95 and includes 1.3 miles of US-29 improvements as well as 1.9 miles of auxiliary lane and collector-distributor lanes on I-95 between MD 212 (Powder Mill Road) and Van Dusen Road. Contract C includes new interchanges at US 29, Briggs Chaney Road and I-95. It is the second contract of the ICC to be awarded, following Contract A.
Contract C map.
Drawing shows how the ICC’s six lanes will array and be buffered by landscaping.
Drawing of I-95 Collector-Distributor Lanes in Contract C.
Key Neighborhood and Enivronmental Features
Contract C spans a rich diversity of natural and human environments, including parks, wetlands, floodplains and streams. Community features within Contract C include:
- Montgomery County Public Schools, Holding School at the intersection of Old Columbia Pike and Fairland Road
- Montgomery County Public Schools, Paint Branch High School on Old Columbia Pike north of Briggs Chaney Road
- Fairland View II Community Local Park
- Montgomery County Fairland Regional Center on Briggs Chaney Road between US-29 and the ICC
- Montgomery County Library on Briggs Chaney Road between US-29 and the ICC
- Cross Creek Club Local Park on Briggs Chaney Road south of the ICC
- Cross Creek Golf Course
- Little Paint Branch Stream Valley Park
- Cross Creek Community park west of Old Gunpowder Road and southof the ICC
- Fairland Regional Park and associated facilities & amenities west of Old Gunpowder Road and north of the ICC
- Various M-NCPPC properties and Reforestation Easement areas
- Bike trails along portions of Old Columbia Pike, US-29, Fairland Road, Briggs Chaney Road, Little Paint Branch, and Old Gunpowder Road
Environmental features within Contract C include:
- A proposed ICC conservation easement in the NW quadrant of the ICC/US 29 interchange
- Us-29 Auto Park Storm Water pond and dam
- Proposed additional M-NCPPC Reforestation Easement area north of the ICC between Dogwood Drive and Little Paint Branch
- Little Paint Branch and various tributaries
- Wash ponds in the Konterra area, two of which are regulated by MDE
- Aitcheson Bog
- Indian Creek and various tributaries
- A proposed wetland conservation site north of the ICC at the extreme east end of Contract C
A total of 19 new bridges, including crossings of US 29 (Columbia Pike), I-95 and local roads will be built in Contract C. The bridges will feature aesthetic elements that complement the surrounding areas. Those that cross sensitive environmental resources, such as Little Paint Branch, will feature long-span pier placement so no piers are located in streams.
Drawings of US 29 Bridges and Interchange.
(This design has been modified Major changes include the shortening of several bridges and a modification to the SB US-29 to Fairland Road off-ramp.)
To minimize community impacts, major effort will be made to ensure work schedules, noise, dust, haul routes, maintenance of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, staging areas, retaining walls and employee parking are developed in keeping the quality of life of the of local communities.
More than two miles of sound barrier in five locations will buffer neighboring communities from noise and visual impact.
Community Communication
The ICC project team is committed to ongoing open communication with affected communities while the highway is designed and built. The team will make every major effort to keep impacts on local communities to a minimum, including minimizing construction noise and dust and maintaining local vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Travel Benefits
Located at the eastern portion of the ICC, Contract C will link major north-south highways, I-95 and US 29, while reducing east-west travel time. It will also improve safety on local roads by reducing both congestion and traffic conflicts between local travelers and cross-county commuters. The collector-distributor lanes straddling I-95 south of the ICC will facilitate smooth access on and off the ICC.
The ICC project includes funding to implement the results of a currently underway study of east-west transit on the ICC.
Traveling cross-county currently requires driving hilly, twisting two-lane roads that are frequently congested. Poor sightlines and unfettered access from driveways and cross-streets increases the risk of crashes.
Timeline
Anticipated Completion is late 2011 or early 2012
