Bladensburg Road Widening
& U.S. National Arboretum Entrance
Bladensburg Road is a major urban 6-lane roadway bounded by light industrial and commercial areas and the U.S. National Arboretum. Volkert Engineering designed roadway improvements for a 0.76-mile segment of Bladensburg Road (from Mount Olivet Road to New York Avenue) and a new entrance to the U.S. National Arboretum.
The new entrance to the U.S. National Arboretum featured stamped concrete crosswalks and specially-treated sidewalks with Washington Globe lighting fixtures to preserve the historic look of the renovations. New right- and left-turn lanes were designed for the new entrance.
Volkert Engineering's design included roadway widening, reinforced portland cement concrete pavement, storm drainage structures, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, underdrains and intersection design. Storm sewer design involved the replacement of 4,115 linear feet of 12-inch storm sewers with 15- and 18-inch pipe.
Street lighting along Bladensburg Road was modified and replaced with Washington Globes. The design provided adequate spacing of poles and light fixtures for the required foot-candle levels in accordance with current illumination standards and electrical codes. The new electrical system reconnected to the existing roadway lighting.
Traffic analysis addressed vehicular and pedestrian travel patterns to the Arboretum. Synchro and HCS analysis determined recommended traffic signal operations. Services included signal design, marking plans, and signing. The signal work was completed on a fast-track schedule.
The project included a landscaping plan for trees and planting and protection of existing mature trees.
Services Provided: Field Investigation, Traffic Signal Design, Streetlight Design, Pavement Marking Design, Signing Design, Safety Improvements for Pedestrians and Motorists