New Flashing Beacon Warns Truckers of Low-Clearance Railroad Bridge

(June 17, 2016) – To better alert drivers of a low-clearance railroad bridge that is often struck by commercial vehicle trucks, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is installing a flashing beacon at the MD 75 (Green Valley Road) and Baldwin Road intersection in Frederick County.  Crews will begin work within a week and should be complete by the end of summer, weather permitting.

“Despite multiple warning signs and devices about the low railroad bridge crossing on MD 75, commercial trucks striking the bridge continue to be a problem on this route,” said SHA District 7 Engineer Mark Crampton.  “The truckers who ignore the warnings eventually become stuck under the bridge or are forced to turn around using private driveways or MD 75 itself.  The goal is provide another safety device to warn drivers of the 12-foot six-inch clearance at Baldwin Road.”

The enhanced system will flash yellow 24 hours per day, seven days per week for the east and west legs of the intersection and red for the north and south legs.  The beacon will be visible to all vehicles approaching the intersection.

Since 2010, there have been approximately 215 incidents involving trucks, requiring SHA to temporarily close MD 75 at the railroad bridge.  Although some of the commercial vehicles became stuck under the bridge, the majority of the incidents were trucks attempting to maneuver back to the MD 75/Baldwin Road intersection, becoming disabled due to a limited turning radius.  The incidents have impacted local residents who must detour around the area and required significant time commitment from emergency responders including law enforcement and SHA.

SHA’s contractor, Scott A. Duncan of Harmans, may close a single-lane during the installation of the flashing beacon.  Work will take place Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.