Annapolis (September 17, 2010) -- Contractors working on the Forest Drive capital project are scheduled to begin the paving of the eastbound lanes on Sunday evening. Due to this work, there will be a new traffic pattern for the eastbound lanes between Bywater Road and Hilltop Lane beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, September 20, 2010.The traffic patterns are expected to be in place for three months.

The two through lanes of traffic will be shifted to the right (south) onto the new pavement.The center lane and two 'old' eastbound lanes will be closed to traffic, except to accommodate left turn lanes. 

Additionally, right turns from eastbound Forest Drive onto South Cherry Grove Lane will not be permitted.Traffic will be directed to turn right at Green Briar Lane (prior to South Cherry Grove Ave.), then left onto Skippers Lane. 

The Forest Drive lane widening project will help ease congestion on the heavily traveled road.Improvements include the lane widening from two to three lanes and modifications to the medians, traffic islands and drainage to support the work.A hiker/biker trail will be installed along the east bound travel lanes and a stormwater bio-retention facility will also be added to correct existing erosion problems on the south side of Forest Drive, across from Hilltop Lane.Improvements also include upgraded signalization at the intersections where Forest Drive intersects with Bywater Road, South Cherry Grove Road and Hilltop Lane.

The expected completion date is December 13, 2010.

Questions: Contact Anne Arundel County's Matt Diehl, 410-320-1406.