Reader Brian Detwiler said he was a bit startled by these two deep utility trenches left uncovered on Wisconsin Avenue.

Detwiler said he took the photos at 9:30 a.m., after the morning rush. The trenches run across the southbound lanes of Wisconsin Avenue on both sides of its intersection with Leland Street.

“There is virtually no warning, except for some barely noticeable cones, and nobody is working to fix them,” Detwiler said.

We contacted the State Highway Administration for information. The work could be the responsibility of a utility company.

“I would hate to be riding a bicycle or motorcycle and come across these,” Detwiler said.

The SHA is in the midst of a multi-faceted resurfacing and drainage improvement project in downtown Bethesda. It is unknown if this trench work is related.

Photos via Brian Detwiler