(April 11, 2012) – Beginning next week, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will clean and paint 17 bridges in Allegany and Washington counties.  The $2.1 million investment will protect the metal on the bridges and prevent corrosion. The projects should be completed by fall 2013, weather permitting.  Minimal impact to traffic is expected.

“The elements naturally take their toll on metal sections of bridges.  These preventative actions are being taken to keep our bridges safe and in good condition,” said Anthony Crawford, SHA District Engineer.  “We appreciate motorists’ work zone vigilance and patience when encountering these projects.”

The bridge cleaning and repainting projects include stripping and repainting the steel beams and bridge structures.   During construction, motorists can expect minimal delays and possible daytime single lane closures Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and possible double lane closures overnights Sunday through Thursday between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.  SHA will provide variable message signs, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone.

K&K Painting and Construction Company of Baltimore will complete the project in two separate contracts.  Below is a list of the bridge cleaning and painting sites:

Allegany County

There are nine bridges that will be painted as part of a $1 million contract in Allegany County:
 
• MD 936 (George’s Creek Road) over a branch of George’s Creek in Frostburg;
• MD 51 (Industrial Boulevard) over Town Creek near Cumberland;
• I-68 over MD 639 (Willowbrook Road);
• Mountain Road over I-68 (National Freeway);
• Eastbound I-68 over MD 936;
• Westbound I-68 over MD 936;
• Eastbound I-68 over Midlothian Road;
• Westbound I-68 over Midlothian Road; and
• MD 36 (Mt. Savage Road) over George’s Creek.

Washington County

There are eight bridges that will be painted as part of the $1.1 million contract in Hancock, Washington County: 

• Westbound MD 144 (Main Street) over Tonoloway Creek;
• Westbound I-70 ramp over mainline eastbound I-70;
• Eastbound I-70 over I-68 ramp;
• Westbound I-68 over eastbound I-70 and I-68 ramp;
• Eastbound I-70 over Tonoloway Creek;
• Westbound I-70 over Tonoloway Creek;
• Eastbound I-68 over Sidling Hill Creek; and
• Westbound I-68 over Sidling Hill Creek.

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.

Motorists who have questions about the bridge painting projects may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.  

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.

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