Motorists Should Plan Alternate Routes and Expect Major Delays in Hancock, Washington County and Plan for Extra Travel Time          
          
(August 22, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration is working closely with the Maryland State Police and other authorities along US 522 (Warfordsburg Road) near the bridge over the Potomac River in Hancock, Washington County. US 522 remains closed to motorists traveling in both directions between the West Virginia line and the I-70 interchange in Hancock due to police activity.           
          
Motorists attempting to cross into West Virginia toward Berkeley Springs should use I-81 south to West Virginia Route 9. SHA has activated dynamic highway message signs along I-70 as far back as South Mountain near Frederick County and in the westbound direction back to the I-70/I-68 interchange in Hancock.           
          
SHA will open US 522 when police advise it is safe to open the road. Motorists are urged to log onto www.marylandroads.com and click the CHART icon for the latest travel conditions.          
          
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