(April 2, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) recently approved the temporary closure of MD 351 (Ballenger Creek Pike) between the  Elmer Derr Road roundabout and Lambert Drive beginning on Monday, April 16.  The closure allows Drees Homes to make road improvements associated with the Linton at Ballenger Creek subdivision.  Drees Homes intends to complete the $1.7 million project and reopen MD 351 by mid-August, weather permitting. 

Although residents will have access up to the closure point, Drees Homes will establish the following detour route:  MD 351 to Crestwood Boulevard to New Design Road to Elmer Derr Road and back to    MD 351. Signs, cones and barrels will guide motorists through the work zone.  Approximately 2,000 vehicles use MD 351 each day.

“Temporarily closing Ballenger Creek Pike will enable the developer to have the work completed before schools open for the 2012/2013 school year,” said SHA District 7 Engineer Dave Coyne.  “Detouring traffic also provides a safer working environment for work crews.”

Improvements to MD 351 include constructing acceleration and deceleration lanes, installing storm water management systems and pavement resurfacing.  Other work includes utility relocations and sidewalk construction.

Drees Homes awarded the project to W.F. DeLauter and Sons, Inc. of Emmitsburg.  Citizens with questions or comments regarding improvements on MD 351 should contact Bill Yauss of Drees Home at 1-703-257-3434 extension 1529.

Construction season is here with numerous active work zone sites that include major construction projects taking months to complete and mobile operations taking only minutes.  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 - look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don't follow too closely.  Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones.  For everyone.      

Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information!  Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit: www.md511.org  for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law restricts hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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