Motorists Should Expect Delays; Slow Down and Stay Alert

(November 14, 2016) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has started a project to improve pedestrian safety on US 40 in Hagerstown by updating existing pedestrian facilities with new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks, ramps and crosswalks between Nottingham Road and Cannon Avenue.  Crews will also install new concrete curb and gutters. Weather permitting, the $1.3 million project is expected to be complete summer 2017.

"SHA has been working closely with the City of Hagerstown and Washington County to have this job come to fruition, said SHA District Engineer Anthony Crawford. “The goal of this project is to help improve pedestrian safety within Hagerstown and move towards zero deaths. We ask pedestrians and motorists to slow down and stay alert during construction.”

The work will be performed by Congressional Contracting, Inc. of Potomac.  SHA is also working closely with the City of Hagerstown to accommodate specified special events and parking.

Approximately 40,000 vehicles use this section of US 40 each day. While much of the work will take place by closing parking and working on shoulders, some temporary lane closures will be necessary and motorists should plan extra travel time during the work.  SHA will use cones and a flagging operation to guide motorists through the work zone. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands.

Maryland drivers can know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction delays and lane closures. Those who have questions about SHA projects in Washington County may call the SHA District 6 Office at 301-729-8400, toll-free at 1-800-760-7138 or send email to shadistrict6@sha.state.md.us.