(August 24, 2017) - Beginning early October, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will begin the construction of a median fence and additional pedestrian safety improvements on MD 528 (Coastal Highway) in Ocean City, Md. The $7 million project is expected to be complete by May of 2018.

"Safety has always been the highest priority of our agency,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Greg Slater. “MDOT SHA has partnered with Ocean City Police, City Council and Public Works offices to create initiatives that better serve both locals and tourists. With their full support and collaboration, the median fencing project is another effort we are taking in making Maryland roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.”

The safety enhancement project will be located on MD 528, running from 26th Street to 62nd Street, for a total distance of 2.17 miles. The work will include the following:
• Lengthening median left turn lane on MD 528 North at 52nd Street.
• Median fence installation between 62nd Street and Convention Center Drive
• Median roadway lighting installation between 62nd Street and Convention Center Drive
• Signing and pavement markings
• Landscaping
• Grinding and paving of existing roadway from 26th Street to 62nd Street

"With the high foot traffic that Ocean City receives, MDOT SHA has made concerted efforts in promoting pedestrian safety," stated Jay Meredith, District One Engineer for the Maryland State Highway Administration. “In 2013, our business unit began heavily promoting the use of crosswalks with our "Walk Smart" campaign, in an effort to mitigate the many pedestrian accidents occurring in Ocean City. The construction of the median fence and roadway lighting is another initiative to enhance and solidify the message of pedestrian safety, for one life lost is one too many.”

MDOT SHA’s contractor, George & Lynch of Dover, Del. will perform single lane closures and flag motorists through the work zone areas. Over 48,000 vehicles travel Coastal Highway daily, so drivers are encouraged to allow extra time for commuting and be mindful of crews in work zones.

 

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.

 

While MDOT 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.

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