Safety Improvements for Campus Pedestrians Continue

NIH has made significant strides to create a safer Bethesda campus for pedestrians. Progress includes the addition of 20 LED-lit crosswalks under construction or already in operation. In 2019, new safety improvements are planned at several more intersections.

Currently under construction is a major improvement at the intersection of Memorial Dr. and Center Dr., near the northeast corner of the Clinical Research Center. The reconfigured intersection will improve vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian safety. (See the Nov. 2, 2018 NIH Record for a rendering of the new site.)

Within the next couple of months, the heavily used walkway in front of Bldg. 31A will be replaced. A new accessible walkway has been designed to reduce the steepness of the walk while maintaining existing healthy trees. A retaining wall will be required to accommodate elevation changes and a new pedestrian-activated LED-lit crosswalk and flashing warning signs will be installed across Center Dr. During approximately 30 days of construction, pedestrians will need to follow a detoured path.

In addition to the new walkway, Center Dr. between Bldg. 31 and Bldg. 2 will receive new pavement and a speed hump. Several of the larger intersections throughout campus, including Wilson Dr. at Center Dr., will also be tightened to reduce the pedestrian crossing length. 

The bulk of the construction is expected to be completed this year. No road closures are anticipated. Lane closures are limited to nights and weekends and one lane of traffic will be open at all times. 

Michael Oppelt, the Office of Research Facilities project officer overseeing installation, can be reached at michael.oppelt@nih.gov or (301) 435-7827.