(October 30, 2014) – In conjunction with the opening of a new public parking lot off of Mount Savage Road (MD 36) in the Allegany County town of Mount Savage, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) announces that on-street parking on Mount Savage Road is no longer permitted starting Friday, October 31. Instead, drivers may use a new public parking lot off of MD 36 located between Cobblestone Road and Dunagan’s Bar and Grill.

“With vehicles parked on the road, there was only enough room for one lane of traffic on Mount Savage Road,” said SHA District Engineer Anthony Crawford. “Our partners in Allegany County and area law enforcement supported a parking lot alternative to allow for two-way traffic, improve emergency vehicle response time, school bus movement, snow removal operations, and safe and efficient traffic flow.”

The start of the no-parking restriction on Friday will coincide with the opening of the new parking lot. SHA placed electronic message boards and distributed flyers announcing the change and Maryland State Police will enforce the no parking zone and the speed limit over the next few weeks.

The change follows the completion of an $800,000 SHA resurfacing project on Mount Savage Road this summer. SHA and Allegany County held a public meeting about the parking change in March.

Questions about the change may be directed to SHA’s District 6 Office during business hours at 301-729-8400, or toll-free at 800-760-7138.

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!