(Sept. 28, 2012) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) will detour  traffic five nights a week for four consecutive weeks, weather permitting, for motorists traveling southbound on US 301 (Blue Star Memorial Highway) near Queenstown in Queen Anne’s County.  The nighttime detour starts Sunday, September 30, from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. and will continue weeknights until Saturday, October 27.

The detour will guide motorists on southbound US 301 to MD 456 (Del Rhodes Avenue) to westbound US 50.  The temporary detour is necessary for worker and motorists safety during construction of the bridge deck replacement on westbound US 50 (Ocean Gateway) over US 301.  Motorists on southbound US 301 should also expect single lane closures Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Additionally, motorists traveling on westbound  US 50 will not be permitted  to turn left at MD 18 (Main Street) into Grasonville as a safety measure.  Motorists will be directed on  US 50 westbound to the next exit (Nesbit Road) to return to MD 18 in Grasonville.

This project, planned for completion in spring 2013, may cause significant delays for motorists traveling west toward the Bay Bridge from Eastern Shore destinations.

One lane of westbound US 50 is open and drivers are being directed through the project area with temporary concrete barriers and construction barrels through April.  The bridge project includes replacing the bridge deck, resurfacing, replacing corroded steel, and maintenance and cleaning the brick walls adjacent to the travel lanes.  

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 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.  For motorists traveling west toward the Bay Bridge, try 511’s news “Reach the Beach” feature by simply saying – “Reach the Beach.”  This service provides real-time travel data from points west and east between the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Eastern Shore Destinations or to the bridge.

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Editor’s Note:

Those who travel within the project area are encouraged to learn more about the project.

• Information about the project can be accessed on the web at: www.roads.maryland.gov Projects & Studies / SHA Projects Page; click on county map; construction; major projects; and finally; US 50 Ocean Gateway.

• Motorists can follow us on Twitter @MDSHA, or get free traveler information by calling 511 or 1-855-GOMD511.

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