Crews to Remove Train Tracks from Upshur Street for the next Four Weeks; Section of MD 450/Peace Cross Bridge Replacement Project in Bladensburg          
          
(January 22, 2009) – As part of the State Highway Administration’s (SHA) $70 million railroad bridge construction project along MD 450 near the Peace Cross in Prince George’s County, SHA will remove two sets of existing railroad tracks along Upshur Street between 46th Street and 47th Street. The work will require a temporary closure of both directions of Upshur Street beginning Monday, January 26 for a period up to four weeks, weather permitting. The detour will direct motorists to use Tanglewood Drive/Buchanan Street, which runs parallel to Upshur Street to the north.           
          
The closure is necessary to ensure worker and motorist safety as crews remove the existing tracks from MD 450 and resurface the impacted area. Crews will also install sewer and water lines, as well as new storm drains.          
          
Local business access will be maintained during the closure. SHA will use variable message signs to guide motorists along the detours. The overall MD 450 project began fall 2004 and is expected to be completed winter 2009, weather permitting. SHA’s contractor for the project is Balfour Beatty Construction, Inc. of Hyattsville.          
          
Those who have questions about MD 450 or any other State numbered roadways in Prince George’s County should call SHA’s District 3 Office at 1-800-749-0737. SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times.          
          
# # #