WOODMONT AVENUE CLOSURE POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Back in March, developers PN Hoffman and Stonebridge Carras had scheduled the closure of Woodmont Avenue, south of Bethesda Avenue, for mid-June.

Yesterday, it was announced that Woodmont will likely remain open to traffic until an unspecified date in early August.  This is mildly good news for patrons of shops and restaurants at Bethesda Row, as the closure is expected to only further snarl traffic in the area.  It could be good timing, if they hold off the closure until students return to college in August.  That would reduce at least a small amount of the high summer traffic volume.

What's the closure all about?  Well, in addition to The Darcy condos being constructed on former Lot 31, The Flats is going to be built across Woodmont on former Lot 31-A.

With over 160 apartments, The Flats - well - ain't gonna be flat enough to fit the current layout.  And excavation needs to be done for the massive, 940-space public parking garage that will be under there, too.  So Woodmont Avenue is going to slightly shift from its historic course, and the famous Barnes and Noble intersection is not going to be the same anymore, either.  Take pictures of it now, while it's still there, folks!

These delays come in bunches with this project, so I will be shocked, shocked if there is another postponement in August.

Happy driving.