(September 12, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) advises drivers that a portion of MD 66 (Mapleville Road) will be closed overnight tonight for maintenance work in the Smithsburg area in Washington County.

MD 66 will be closed between Mt. Aetna Road and Chewsville Road between 9 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, September 12, and 4 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, September 13. SHA maintenance crews will be replacing a drainage pipe under MD 66 north of the Mt. Aetna Road roundabout.

Detour signs will direct northbound traffic on MD 66 to take Mt. Aetna Road to Robinwood Drive to MD 64 (Jefferson Boulevard) and will direct southbound traffic on MD 66 to take Chewsville Road and White Hall Road to MD 64 (Jefferson Boulevard) to Robinwood Drive to Mt. Aetna Road (please see attached map). Local passenger vehicles may consider using Crystal Falls Drive as an alternative detour route.

In addition, drivers should anticipate a possible flagging operation on MD 66 during the day (after 9 a.m.) on Thursday, September 13, for paving.

Anyone with questions about operations on MD 66 or other state numbered routes in Washington County may call SHA’s District 6 office at 301-729-8400. You may also follow @MD511Western on Twitter for updates on roadwork, incidents and other alerts regarding state roads in Western Maryland.

While SHA and its 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 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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