MD 544 Resurfacing the First of Several Local Projects Funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act          
          
(June 12, 2009) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began resurfacing MD 544 (McGinnis Road) between MD 290 (Dudley Corner Road) and US 301 (Blue Star Memorial Highway). This project is one of four resurfacing projects in Queen Anne’s County funded through $2.3 million of President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the federal stimulus plan.           
          
SHA will patch and resurface approximately two and one-half miles along MD 290. This segment of roadway, carrying an average 1,500 vehicles per day, will remain open for travel during construction. However, motorists are advised to allow extra travel time as single lane closures with alternating traffic will occur Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Traffic flaggers, cones, electronic variable message signs and drums will guide motorists through the work zone. Weather permitting, resurfacing should be complete by early July.          
          
Listed below are the remaining resurfacing projects associated with this contract in Queen Anne’s County:          
• MD 544 A (McGinnis Road) between US 301 and MD 313 (Millington Road) – 0.2 miles, carrying an average of 1,850 vehicles per day.          
• MD 302 (Barclay Road) between US 301 and MD 313 – nearly four miles, carrying an of average 3,160 vehicles per day.          
• MD 213 (Church Hill Road) between Southeast Creek Road and Union Church Road – nearly five miles, carrying an of average 6,600 vehicles per day.          
          
Work on these additional projects is scheduled to begin later this summer. Specific construction dates and times, however, are subject to change depending on weather and other factors. SHA awarded the contract to David A. Bramble, Inc.          
          
ARRA projects such these are stimulating Maryland’s economy by providing and preserving thousands of jobs. These jobs help to maintain the lifestyle of individual workers, whose work in turn improves the lives of countless travelers throughout the State; improving ride quality and safety on Maryland’s roadways.           
          
SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through highway work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. Learn more about work zone safety and the Choose Safety for Life campaign at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
# # #