(April 5, 2012) – Tomorrow at 8 a.m., the State Highway Administration (SHA) will temporarily close northbound MD 355 (Urbana Pike) near Doctor Perry Road in Frederick County to perform emergency repairs to the slope adjacent to the roadway.  Crews will use a flagging operation to alternate traffic on southbound MD 355.  All lanes will re-open by 4 p.m. Friday.  SHA will return on Monday, April 9 to continue working on the $70,000 repair, which could last up to one week.  Next week’s work will also require a closure with flaggers alternating traffic.

The emergency repair is necessary as rain could lead to further slope erosion and damage.  Motorists should consider using I-270 as an alternate route to avoid delays.

SHA and its contractor, Concrete General, Inc. of Gaithersburg, will stabilize the slope by adding fill material and rip-rap (large rocks) to the eroded section of the roadway slope.  Permanent repairs to the slope will take place later this summer.

Customers who have questions about MD 355 or any other State numbered roadway in Frederick County may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119. 

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 and 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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