WASHINGTON — Road repairs along Rockville Pike will disrupt the drive for commuters through Bethesda starting Tuesday morning.
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission says the repairs are scheduled to begin near Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where a 16-inch water main break caused significant damage to the road last month.
The work will completely close two right, southbound lanes. A temporary Jersey wall will funnel traffic to the other two inbound lanes: one southbound through lane on Rockville Pike and a right turn lane onto West Cedar Lane.
The lane closures are expected to last up to 10 days once the road repairs begin. The northbound lanes will remain open.
Inbound drivers should expect delays.
On Oct. 12, a 74-year-old cast iron water main burst beneath Rockville Pike. The water main has since been repaired, but the force of the gushing water from the burst pipe did considerable damage to the road and the adjacent embankment. Crews will shore up the road and the surrounding area and replace the curb and gutter drainage system.