US 15 sign
Project Adds New Guardrail in Both Directions of US 15 in City of Frederick
(May 17, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin a project Sunday night, May 21, to install new guardrail in both directions on US 15 (Jefferson National Pike) between Jefferson Street and north of Motter Avenue, a span of 3 miles, in Frederick County.
The agency conducted a review of the US 15 corridor following a fatal tanker truck crash in March and determined a new guardrail system will enhance safety for motorists and residents.
The project is expected to take one week to complete, weather permitting, and all work will be conducted overnight, Sunday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning.
Starting Sunday evening, crews will close the shoulder and right lane of northbound US 15 at Jefferson Street to install guardrail in the following locations:
- northbound US 15 between Jefferson Street and the exit ramp to eastbound US 40 ;
- northbound US 15 between 7th Street and Motter Avenue;
- the ramp from Motter Avenue onto northbound US 15;
- the ramp from eastbound US 40 to southbound US 15; and
- southbound US 15 between the Opossumtown Pike ramp and the 7th Street exit ramp.
This is a mobile operation, meaning crews will change locations as they install new guardrail. Exit ramps will close and be detoured when crews are working in that area. Electronic boards, signs, cones and barrels will alert motorists of closures and direct them to any detour routes.
The State Highway Administration understands this work may be an inconvenience for some motorists, but is necessary to enhance safety and reliability of the transportation system. Drivers’ patience and attention in the work zone is appreciated.
This project is separate from the planned US 15 widening. That project is fully funded, and construction is expected to start in 2026. Learn more about this project by clicking
here.
As spring arrives, all motorists are urged to remain vigilant for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Remember that motorcycles can be hidden from view in vehicle blind spots. Please look twice and save a life.
Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.
For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to
Project Portal, or visit the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to
md511.maryland.gov.