(April 8, 2015) – As part of the reconstruction of the MD 550 (Woodsboro Road) Bridge over Israel Creek near Woodsboro, a road closure with detour is scheduled for April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The detour at Isreal Creek is needed to allow crews to use large cranes to set concrete slabs for the new deck (driving surface) of the bridge. Truck traffic should follow detour signs to use MD 26 (Liberty Road) and MD 194 (Woodsboro Pike) to bypass the area. Other traffic may use local roads.

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) bridge replacement is being completed in two stages, with traffic using one half of the bridge at a time while the other half is rebuilt, and a signal alternating traffic across the one-lane bridge. The first phase of the project began in 2013 and was completed last fall.

 

Due to concerns with the progress and schedule, SHA removed the previous contractor from the contract and rebid the project. The new contractor, Concrete General, Inc., began work on phase two in January. SHA and the contractor anticipate the project will be complete and the road will reopen to two-way traffic this summer, weather permitting.

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Always expect the unexpected, pay extra close attention and drive slowly through any work zone. Whether it’s a tree trimming operation or a bridge project, be aware when orange is there: Think Orange (the color of construction equipment and signs), stay alert and slow down.  Everyone is at risk.

In four out of five work zone-related crashes, it is the driver or passenger who is injured or killed. In 2014, nine people lost their lives in Maryland work zone crashes, including four highway workers. While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to keep traffic safely moving in work zones, please partner with us because work zone safety is everyone’s business – slow down and stay alert.  Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.

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