(October 31, 2012) – There is good news for drivers on US 29 in Ellicott City. The State Highway Administration (SHA) is wrapping up work on the US 29 bridges over US 40 (Baltimore National Pike) and Frederick Road and, weather permitting, will return southbound US 29 traffic to its normal configuration on Tuesday, November 6. All work is expected to conclude by mid-November, bringing an end to months of construction barrels, shifted lanes and automated speed enforcement on this busy highway.
To allow crews to remove barrier walls and revise lane markings in preparation for shifting southbound traffic back to its normal pattern, motorists should anticipate nighttime lane closures on southbound US 29 late next week according to the following schedule:
- Wednesday, October 31, at 8 p.m. to Thursday, November 1 at 5 a.m., single left lane closure
- Monday, November 5 at 8 p.m. to Tuesday, November 6 at 5 a.m., double lane closure
Motorists should continue to use extra caution and prepare for possible lane closures the week of November 7 and 8 as crews install rumble strips and complete new edge-lines.
Work on the US 29 bridges began in late March and was initially expected to continue through summer 2013; however, favorable weather and effective project management has allowed crews to finish in one construction season.
The project involved replacing the decks, or driving surfaces, of the bridges. Working one lane at a time, crews milled the decks, hydroblasted them (a high-pressure power wash), and poured new concrete. Crews worked on the northbound bridges through mid-July before switching to the southbound side.
SHA’s contractor for the project is G.A. & F. C. Wagman, Inc., of York, Pa. The $3.9 million contract also included replacing the decks of the MD 216 (Scaggsville Road) bridges over I-95. Crews finished work on MD 216 in late September.
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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