A view of the Stonestreet Pedestrian Bridge before it was removed.

Background

The original Stonestreet Pedestrian Bridge, built in 1973, was located over the CSX Transportation Incorporated (CSX) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train tracks, connecting South Stonestreet Avenue and Veirs Mill Road. This bridge was closed in January 2010 due to structural integrity concerns and then demolished in March 2011. The abutments, which supported the bridge deck, are the only integral part of the original bridge that remains in place.

Based on staff’s recommendations, the Mayor and Council approved funding in the FY2011 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) to remove the existing bridge and to design and replace a replacement bridge, as part of the Bridge Rehabilitation CIP.

KCI Technologies, Inc. was hired in May 2011 to design a new pedestrian bridge at this location. Last fall 2011, staff conducted one public meeting and attended two East Rockville Citizens Association (ERCA) meetings to gain feedback on the design. As a result, two features will be added to the design: security fence around the abutment on the South Stonestreet side and lighting. Both of these features will create a safer environment at the pedestrian bridge.

Project Design

KCI Technologies continues to work on the design; complications due to the following:

• Slope stabilization is needed to support the bridge abutment on the South Stonestreet Avenue side of the bridge because the existing timber retaining wall, located in the CSX right-of-way, is failing.
• Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires ramps for access on both sides of the bridge. On the South Stonestreet side, a ramp of five switchbacks (total length approximately 240 feet; width 5 feet) is required. On the Veirs Mill Road side, there is a gentle slope straight pathway (about 117 feet long and 7 feet wide).
• Ability to obtain an easement from a property owner on the South Stonestreet Avenue side.
• Coordination and design approval by CSX and WMATA.

 View the project design sheet here.

Projected Cost

KCI’s construction cost estimate for the bridge is $1,190,000, which includes:

• Bridge, site stabilization, lighting, site work and construction inspection ($550,000)
  
• ADA ramps ($530,000)
  
• Railroad permit fees ($110,000)

KCI expects to complete the design in January 2013; construction bid expected to be advertised in May 2013 and construction to begin during the summer 2013. Acquiring the easement from the adjacent property owner to construct the ADA access may delay construction.

Citizen Involvement

The Mayor and Council have decided to hold a public hearing to determine if the project should move forward.

Public hearing is set for January 14, 2013 and public comment period will remain open until January 28, 2013.

Video

The Stonestreet Bridge Removal 
Take a look at Rockville 11's coverage of the removal of the Stonestreet Pedestrian Bridge.

2012 Update
The Mayor and Council want to hear about the Stonestreet Pedestrian Bridge Project, Rockville 11 caught up with the Director of Public Works Craig Simoneau and project manager Ilene Lish to find out where the Stonestreet Pedestrian Bridge Project stands. 

Contact
For more information, contact Ilene Lish, project manager, at ilish@rockvillemd.gov or 240-314-8500.  

To have your comments included as part of the public record, contact the City Clerk's Office:

Douglass Barber, City Clerk
clerk@rockvillemd.gov
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850