(Updated: July 6, 2015) – CSX Transportation will repair the railroad crossing on MD 5 (Mattawoman-Beantown Road) between US 301 and Mattawoman Drive in Charles County the weekend of July 17-20. The work requires crews to close the roadway beginning Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m. They plan to reopen MD 5 by Monday morning, July 20 at 5 a.m.

Traffic will be detoured:

• Northbound motorists traveling MD 5 will be directed to turn left onto Mattawoman Drive and to turn right onto northbound US 301.

• Southbound motorists traveling US 301 (Crain Highway) / MD 5 will be detoured to turn left onto Mattawoman Drive and then turn right onto southbound MD 5.

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is assisting CSX by providing signage and detours to help drivers navigate around the work area. Residents and local businesses will have access to their properties. SHA will place portable electronic message signs along US 301 and MD 5 alerting drivers to the upcoming work.

CSX Transportation is removing the deteriorated steel reinforced rubber panels and replacing them with a new asphalt surface with shaped rubber edge sealing pieces. Crews will stage equipment along the railroad’s right-of-way and work along travel lanes of MD 5 and will work until the repairs are complete.  Those who have questions about the repairs may call 1-877-TELL-CSX (877-835-5279). Final plans are underway for crossing repairs at Mattawoman Drive for the weekend of July 24.

Drivers are encouraged to plan for additional travel time the weekend of the closure. Travelers may use Maryland’s 511 program at www.md511.org or by calling 511 to learn about construction-related lane closures and other traffic information.

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Drivers, passengers as well as workers are at risk. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.