(July 30, 2015)  –  The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning work to add additional lanes on MD 140 (Taneytown Pike) at its intersection with Pleasant Valley Road west of Westminster in Carroll County. The project, which will extend approximately 1,600 feet, includes installing right-turn lanes, acceleration lanes and left-turn lanes along MD 140 in both directions.The project will improve safety and enhance traffic flow for the approximately 12,000 motorists who travel on this section of MD 140 each day.

During a portion of the construction, SHA will close Pleasant Valley Road South on the south leg only of its intersection with MD 140. A detour will direct traffic to use MD 832 (Old Taneytown Road) in combination with Tyrone Road for access to and from this section of Pleasant Valley Road South and Frizzellburg Road. The detour is scheduled to begin Monday, August 3, and end before Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. Completion of the full project is anticipated in mid-December.

North of MD 140, SHA will maintain access to Pleasant Valley Road South at all times to accommodate the higher traffic volumes, since a detour at that location would more significantly impact travel times.

On MD 140, motorists should expect single-lane closures near Pleasant Valley Road South on weekdays during off-peak hours, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and overnight between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. 

 

 

 

The additional lanes are designed in response to a traffic study, which included an analysis of crash history at the intersection and determined that the installation of turn lanes along MD 140 would enhance traffic safety and operations.

SHA’s contractor for the $3.7 million project is C.J. Miller, LLC, of Hampstead. Those who would like more information on construction on MD 140 and other routes in Carroll County may contact the SHA District 7 Office at 301-624-8100, or toll-free at 800-635-5119. 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.

 

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