Work Scheduled to Begin Next Week; Motorists Should Expect Delays during Construction and Plan for Extra Travel Time          
          
(September 3, 2008) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $1.6 million project to resurface, improve drainage and enhance safety along more than five miles of US 50 (Ocean Gateway) from Barber Road to the Senator Frederick C. Malkus Memorial Bridge over the Choptank River. Weather permitting, work will begin on Monday, September 8 and be complete by early-spring 2009.          
          
SHA will grind and resurface eastbound US 50 between Barber Road and the Choptank River Bridge. Work will occur along westbound US 50 from the bridge continuing one-half mile west. SHA will also improve drainage by replacing a storm water management pipe under both directions of US 50 near the Choptank River Bridge.          
          
More than 30,000 vehicles travel along this section of US 50 on average each day. Motorists should expect single-lane closures along US 50 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. SHA will use cones, barrels, and signs to guide motorists through the work zone. SHA awarded the contract to David A. Bramble, Inc. of Chestertown.          
          
When warmer temperatures dominate, work zones will be an increasingly familiar sight along state and local roadways. On any one day, there could be more than 350 work zones. SHA thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation.          
          
Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. When workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE: slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Choose to make work zone safety your business at choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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