Construction of Improvements
To address concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety, the City will be installing a number of pedestrian safety measures on Great Falls Road and Monument Street.  The City held a public comment period on the draft design for the improvements in the summer of 2007.  In response to comments received, City staff modified the design to include additional pedestrian accommodations, such as extending the median on Great Falls Road through the crosswalk and the realignment of crosswalk ramps.  The following is a list of the physical improvements to be implemented:

1. Decorative textured crosswalk on Great Falls Road to increase crosswalk definition and visibility, thereby highlighting the pedestrian crossing area for approaching motorists
2. Landscaped median on Great Falls Road that narrows the road to slow vehicles approaching the crosswalk
3. Curb extension on Monument Street to shorten the pedestrian crossing distance
4. Pedestrian island on Monument Street to provide pedestrians a refuge area within the intersection and to shorten the pedestrian crossing distance
5. Crosswalk realignment on Monument Street to shorten the pedestrian crossing distance

The construction of the pedestrian improvements is scheduled to begin on or about the week of April 21, 2008, and completed by mid-May 2008.  The schedule will be affected by weather and mechanical conditions and is subject to change without notice.  Variable message boards will be used where appropriate to warn of the expected work.  Regular vehicle traffic will be maintained on Great Falls Road and Monument Street, but you may experience some delays during construction.  Please drive carefully and slowly in any work zone area.

Project History
This project was initiated in response to requests from residents and the West End Citizens Association to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Great Falls Road and Monument Street.  The project supports the City’s goal to enhance pedestrian accessibility and to create a safer route for students walking to Julius West Middle School.  A public comment period on the proposed design was held June 8, 2007 through June 29, 2007.  Based on feedback received during the public comment period, City staff modified the pedestrian improvement design and created detailed designs to be used for the construction phase of the project. 

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Rebecca Torma, City of Rockville Department of Public Works Transportation Planner II, at 240-314-8527 or via e-mail at rtorma@rockvillemd.gov.  View a PDF of the construction plans.