MDOT SHA IMPROVES SAFETY AND ACCESS ON MD 272 AND MD 213 IN CECIL COUNTY

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo

Both Projects Involve Constructing New Turns Lanes to Reduce Congestion and Enhance Safety in Elkton and North East

(July 24, 2017) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is starting two projects in Cecil County that will improve safety and reduce congestion. Weather permitting, both projects should be complete spring/summer 2018.

In North East, MDOT SHA is improving safety and access for vehicles and pedestrians on MD 272 (Northeast Road) at US 40 (Pulaski Highway).  The project includes constructing a dedicated right turn lane on southbound MD 272 (Northeast Road) between Rogers Road and US 40 (Pulaski Highway).  The new turn lane will help reduce the incidence of collisions in this area and improve traffic flow on MD 272 and westbound US 40.

This project also will create an ADA-compliant pedestrian walkway along southbound MD 272, connecting Northeast Plaza with existing sidewalk south of US 40 to form a continuous, safe pedestrian path.  Additional project features include reconstruction of MD 272/US 40 traffic signals and substantial drainage improvements including replacement of a 60-inch culvert across MD 272 just south of US 40.

Motorists should expect occasional lane closures Sundays through Thursdays between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. to minimize travel and business impacts.  Approximately 24,000 vehicles travel this part of MD 272 and 32,000 vehicles travel US 40 in this area each day.  SHA awarded the $4.9 million project to Congressional Contracting of Potomac.

In Elkton, MDOT SHA is constructing dedicated left and right turn lanes at the intersection of MD 213 (Augustine Herman Highway) and Frenchtown Road.  The $2.6 million project will improve safety by separating turning vehicles from through traffic which reduces the potential of crashes.  This improvement also keeps traffic moving efficiently, saving motorists time and reducing fuel consumption.

Work includes widening MD 213, constructing right and left turn lanes and bike lanes in both directions, relocating the existing Park-N-Ride lot to the north of Frenchtown Road and new drainage, lighting, paving and striping.  Motorists can expect lane shifts and occasional daytime lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Nearly 17,000 vehicles travel this part of MD 213 each day.  SHA awarded the $2.6 million project to David A. Bramble of Chestertown.

The e-Road Ready 2017 electronic construction brochure is now available by clicking here.  The e-brochure highlights major road construction and maintenance projects in each of MDOT SHA’s seven engineering districts which cover Maryland’s 23 counties.

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 also know before they go by calling 511 or visiting www.md511.org for live traffic updates, including construction delays and lane closures.
 
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