Temporary Traffic Signal to Help Establish Temporary Traffic Detour along Eastbound MD 140 Beginning Monday, October 20; Motorists are Encouraged to Allow Extra Travel Time           
          
(October 14, 2008) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) activated a temporary traffic signal at the Trevanion Road and Antrim Boulevard intersection in Taneytown, Carroll County. The temporary traffic signal is part of the $18 million Taneytown Streetscape Project along MD 140 in Taneytown and will help guide motorists through the approximate one year detour along eastbound MD 140.           
          
The temporary traffic signal will remain in place during the first phase of the Taneytown Streetscape. SHA anticipates completing the first phase of construction in fall 2009, weather permitting. SHA has placed the signal on “flash mode” to familiarize motorists with the new traffic signal, which will switch to full color on Friday, October 17. Variable message signs have been placed along Trevanion Road in advance of the temporary signal to alert motorists of the traffic pattern change.           
          
Beginning 9 a.m., Monday, October 20, SHA will establish a temporary traffic detour along eastbound MD 140 to Trevanion Road to Antrim Boulevard through the Taneytown Roundabout and back to eastbound MD 140 and will remain in effect during the first phase of construction. The detour will enable construction on the streetscape to be expedited along MD 140 between Roth Avenue and Trevanion Road. Westbound traffic along MD 140 will not be detoured to ensure residential and commercial access is maintained during construction. Motorists traveling west along MD 140 should expect lane shifts during construction. Cones, barrels, and barrier walls will guide motorists through the work zone.          
          
SHA encourages motorists to stay alert for the new signal and traffic patterns associated with the Taneytown Streetscape. The project started in September and will be completed by spring 2011, weather permitting. Citizens who have questions about on the Taneytown Streetscape along MD 140 or other State numbered routes in Carroll County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
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