MD 808 Sidewalk

Brudis & Associates, Inc. (BAI) was responsible for developing conceptual alternative improvements and developing construction documents for 800 feet of sidewalks, curb ramps, and crosswalks along MD Route 808 (Main Street) in downtown Mt. Airy.

In order to make the sidewalk system safer, more accessible, and compliant with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, BAI has provided a detailed assessment of Main Street in the heart of downtown Mt. Airy.

Conceptual alternatives development included:

• Converting parking spaces along Main Street to a bifurcated sidewalk with ADA-compliant ramps that provide accessibility between the higher shop fronts and the lower street level,
• Ornamental fencing along the higher sidewalk for safety/aesthetic purposes,
• Conversion of Park Avenue from two-way to one-way operation to improve safety, traffic circulation and obtain additional on-street parking to offset parking losses on Main Street,
• Reconfiguration of the Main Street crosswalk to improve sight distance,
• Widening and adding parking along Center Street,
• Adding drainage inlets/pipes to an existing system in order to improve recurring flooding conditions.
• BAI developed conceptual plans, cost estimates, and computer generated renderings for two alternative designs and, with SHA, presented these to the Mayor of Mt. Airy, City Council, and City Engineer for review and comment. Once a preferred alternative was selected, BAI was requested to develop detailed design plans and specifications for construction.

BAI coordinated specialized engineering services including a detailed topographic survey with detailed features, such as steps, retaining walls, doors, etc. The project also involved geometric design, use of a combination of small scale environmental site development strategies (e.g., rain gardens) for stormwater management, signing and pavement marking plans, the development of maintenance of traffic plans, and coordination with SHA Environmental Programs Division regarding the historical nature of many of the buildings in the downtown Mt. Airy area.