(May 21, 2012) – This week, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will restripe and place concrete barrier wall on MD 295 (Baltimore Washington Parkway) at West Nursery Road in Anne Arundel County.  The barrier will temporarily reduce MD 295 from three lanes to two lanes in each direction just north of the I-195 overpass as SHA begins construction of two new bridges. 

“The lane reduction allows crews to work behind barrier wall and concentrate its efforts on different segments of the bridge.  Combined with the self-propelled modular transporter technology, it will reduce the overall construction time by several months for the two bridges at West Nursery Road,” said District Engineer Lee Starkloff.  “SHA asks that drivers exercise caution, plan for extra travel time or consider alternate routes.”

Work will begin Wednesday, May 23 at 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. Thursday, May 24, weather permitting.  Beginning at 10 p.m., MD 295 may be reduced to two lanes in each direction approaching West Nursery Road.  Beginning at midnight, MD 295 may be reduced to one lane in each direction. By 5 a.m. two lanes in both directions will be open through later this summer. Motorists traveling during the overnight hours of May 23 into Friday, May 24 should expect delays and consider using I-95 or US 1 as alternate routes.

This lane reduction is necessary to ensure the safety of workers and motorists as the West Nursery Road Bridge supporting structures are repaired and readied for new bridges.  The two lane traffic pattern will be in place as crews work on different sections of the bridge through fall 2012.  Two new bridges will be constructed in the MD 295 median and installed by early fall using self-propelled modular transporters. In case of inclement weather, this traffic shift will occur next week after the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

As crews strive to keep work zones safe, 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 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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