(September 11, 2015) –The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is improving a portion of US 220 near Cumberland.  SHA recently began a $1.8 million project to add a 400 foot left turn lane on northbound US 220 (McMullen Highway) between Louise Drive and Cedarwood Drive south of Cumberland. Weather permitting; the project will be complete by summer 2016.

Other work on the project includes stabilizing the roadside slope along northbound US 220, improving drainage and upgrading signage. SHA will also grind (remove the top layer of asphalt) resurface and restripe US 220 between Louise Drive and Cedarwood Drive.

The project will help ease congestion by adding the northbound left turn lane and improve safety as turning vehicles will have a dedicated turn lane, reducing conflicts with through traffic.

Most of the work will take place behind concrete barrier, which is in place, but there will be periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures on northbound US 220 for equipment staging, deliveries and when the paving occurs. US 220 at Louise Drive has an average traffic volume of 17,700 vehicles daily.

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.

State Highway Administration Improving Northbound US 220/Louise Drive Intersection in Cumberland