(July 14, 2015) – A detour will be in place for traffic on MD 638 (Parkersburg Road) north of US 40 Alternate (National Pike) in Allegany County from Monday, July 20, through Friday, August 14, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. During those hours, MD 638 will be closed between US 40 Alternate and Porter Road due to construction, and detour signs will direct traffic around the closure using Porter Road.

The closure will allow the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) to replace a deteriorated wall along the shoulder of MD 638. The detour is necessary because the narrow roadway cannot safely accommodate traffic as well as construction equipment. Instead, drivers will bypass the closure using a short local detour. MD 638 has an average traffic volume of 2,200 vehicles per day.

SHA’s contractor for the approximately $100,000 wall replacement project is Harbel Inc. of Cumberland. Those who would like more information on the project or detour may contact the SHA District 6 Office at 301-729-8400.

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Click here for a listing of major SHA projects in Maryland. 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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