Long-Awaited Leeds Avenue Work to Begin

Work on the long-awaited project to upgrade Leeds Avenue with sidewalks and curbs is slated to begin in early April and will be completed by the fall, officials told Arbutus Patch.

Lacking contiguous sidewalks, navigating Leeds Avenue has always been treacherous for pedestrians and wheeled transportation such as strollers and wheelchairs. Some sections of the path along the street are little more than muddy ruts.

Last summer, to construct sidewalks, curbs, new storm drains, and a new paved road surface for Leeds Avenue from Linden Avenue to Southwestern Boulevard.

The project will begin the week of April 9, according to county public works spokesperson David Fidler, and is expected to last 12 to 18 months.

"I'll believe it when I see it," said Leeds Avenue resident Melinda Adamz, who to push for a safer and pedestrian-friendly street.

"We've heard this so many times before," Adamz said. "I've seen surveyors out there four times over the years."

Coming up next: Removing the ramp from Leeds to northbound I-695, which will happen when the Beltway bridge over Leeds is replaced.