Watkins Mill Road Interchange at I-270 Delayed: Report

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Montgomery County’s top road construction project -- the Watkins Mill Road interchange at I-270 -- has been delayed for design changes, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration.

“SHA is making some modifications to the design of the interchange which require a few more months prior to construction,” said David Buck, SHA’s media relations manager.

The agency’s website says the bid opening for the priority interchange contract was cancelled in November because SHA officials are considering design changes, which should result in significant cost savings for the intersection.

Buck said this is not unusual, and now, before the construction begins, is the time to make the changes.

“We are always looking to redesign for cost efficiency,” he said. “This is a design-build project, meaning SHA designs the project to about 30-percent design completion, then a contractor bids on both the remainder of the design and construction of the project, which will occur concurrently.”

Buck said the SHA will hold a public meeting before the start of construction, which should begin in the late summer or early fall of 2016.