Road Improvement Project Will Improve Pedestrian Mobility and Safety          
          
          
(June 16, 2009) – On Thursday, June 18, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a resurfacing and safety improvement project along approximately 1.2 miles of MD 140 (Baltimore Boulevard). The project is located in Westminster between Center Street and Malcolm Drive in Westminster. Weather permitting, SHA expects to complete the $2 million project by the end of the summer.           
          
During construction, motorists should expect lane closures and delays along MD 140 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and nightly between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. As part of the project, SHA will replace existing sidewalk and install new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalk ramps at three intersections.          
          
SHA will enhance the existing traffic signals along MD 140 at Center Street, Gorsuch Road, Ralph Street/Cranberry Road, and Malcolm Drive with accessible pedestrian signals (APS) and pedestrian countdown signals to assist those crossing at the intersections along MD 140. The APS system is an automated voice that alerts pedestrians when to cross; countdown signals display a “30 to zero” timer, showing how much time is remaining to cross the street.           
          
SHA will provide variable message signs, drums, and flag persons to guide motorists through the work zone. This section of MD 140 carries approximately 56,800 vehicles each day. During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones.           
          
SHA awarded the contract to C. J. Miller, LLC of Hampstead. Those who have questions about traffic operations along MD 140 or other State numbered routes in Carroll County may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
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