(April 12, 2012) – This week, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) started a project to clean and paint eight bridges in Garrett County.  The projects will protect the metal on the bridges and prevent corrosion and extend the life of the bridge. The projects should be completed by fall, weather permitting. 

The bridge cleaning and repainting projects include repainting the steel beams and bridge structures.  During construction, motorists can expect minimal delays because most work will occur below the bridges; however daytime single lane closures could happen Monday through Thursday between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Fridays from 6 a.m. until 12 p.m.  SHA will provide variable message signs, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone.

SHA awarded the $1.2 million contract to Titan Industries of Baltimore.   Below is a list of the bridge cleaning and painting sites:

• MD 38 (Kitzmiller Road) over the north branch of the Potomac River in Kitzmiller;
• MD 742 (Water Street) over Youghiogheny River in Friendsville;
• East and westbound spans (two bridges) of I-68 (National Freeway) over Water Street and the  Youghiogheny River in Friendsville ;
• MD 948 B (Frost Road) over I-68 near Grantsville;
• US 219 (Garrett Highway) over I-68 in Granstville; and
• East and westbound spans (two bridges) of I-68/US 219 over Shade Hollow Road in Granstville.

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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