​(April 14, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has implemented an emergency left-lane closure on eastbound US 50 (Ocean Gateway) between Old Skipton (MD 662) and Skipton Landing roads in Talbot County after it was determined that a void is present under the pavement.

The closure is a precautionary measure while a repair plan is reviewed and a contractor is secured. The lane closure may be in place for a week or more. During this time motorists will not be able to turn left from US 50 eastbound onto Old Skipton Road. No impacts to westbound US 50 are expected.

(Patch work where erosion was found on US 50 East)

The State Highway Administration recently identified the possible erosion under the drainage inlet extending into the left shoulder and part of the left lane of eastbound US 50. Pavement scanning was requested after State Highway crews noticed that a roadway patch placed last fall had been settling more than expected.

The crossroad pipe that drains the median inlet is nearly 20 feet beneath the surface. Repairs will include extensive excavation, new median drainage infrastructure, backfilling and slope protection along the eastbound US 50 right shoulder. 

The State Highway Administration will communicate details of the repair, including any change in the current temporary traffic pattern, once work plans are finalized. This repair will cause traffic delays but is needed to ensure the safety of motorists and a reliable transportation system. Follow updates on Twitter at @MDSHA​ and Facebook at facebook.com/MDOTSHA.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to the project portal. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov