Recently Completed: Route 3 Passing Lanes between Potomac Mills and Flat Iron

This $12.7 million project built eastbound and westbound passing lanes over a 1.5-mile segment of Route 3 between Potomac Mills and Flat Iron in Westmoreland. The new lanes opened to traffic on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, several weeks ahead of schedule. 

Route 3 was widened to a four-lane undivided road from north of Route 639 (Winter Harbor Road) to east of Route 624 (Longwood Road), with four 12-foot travel lanes, and a 4-foot paved shoulder on each side.

Left turn lanes were added on Route 3 eastbound at the intersection with Longwood Road, and on Route 3 westbound at Winter Harbor Road and Route 761 (Falls Hill Road).

Building additional travel lanes along this two-lane section of Route 3 provides traffic with an opportunity to pass slower-moving vehicles.

A separate $1 million project to lengthen the right turn lane on Route 3 eastbound to Route 624 (Flat Iron Road) was accomplished as part of this construction work zone and contract.

Benefits 

• Provides travelers with an opportunity to pass slower-moving vehicles, reducing congestion on Route 3

Major Milestones 

Construction start: January 2021

Construction complete: December 3, 2021