Worker Was Building Safer Streets When Hit, Killed By Car: MCDOT

BETHESDA, MD — The construction worker who died Monday night was making streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists when he was hit by a pickup truck in North Bethesda, according to officials.

Michael James O'Connor, 61, of Middle River, was killed while working at a construction site at the intersection of Old Georgetown Road (MD 187) and Executive Boulevard. Authorities say a 2009 Hyundai Elantra traveling south on MD 187 and a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado heading east on Executive Boulevard collided at the intersection, sending the vehicles into the construction zone. The Chevrolet struck O'Conner, who was working in a trench on northbound Old Georgetown Road.

"On behalf of our entire organization, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Michael James O'Connor, who lost his life Monday, and to his colleagues who were present as a motor vehicle crash next to a construction site took his life while he was working to improve the safety of our streets," said Chris Conklin, director of the county's Transportation Department. "The White Flint West project, where the crash took place, is planned and designed to advance Vision Zero by creating an urban environment that puts pedestrians and cyclist safety first, and Mr. O'Connor's tragic death is another reminder of the dangers on our streets that we must continue to address."

The goal of Vision Zero is to eliminate severe and fatal collisions for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists by 2030.

In 2019, there have been more than 11 deaths and more than 570 incidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists on Montgomery County roads, according to government officials. The county continues to grapple with issues of traffic safety. In January 2020 alone, three pedestrians were killed.

County Council President Sidney Katz also issued a statement about O'Connor's passing on behalf of his colleagues.

"The Council sends its deepest condolences to the family of Michael James O'Connor, and we are keeping them in our thoughts as we collectively mourn his passing," Katz wrote, adding that they
will honor his "memory by continuing to work toward making our roadways safer for all."