Intersection Reconstruction and Roadway Widening Will Improve Safety and Traffic Flow           
          
Bicyclists Advised To Use Posted Detour Route during Roadway Excavation and Construction           
          
(August 20, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a new intersection improvement project at the intersection of US 40 (Pulaski Highway) and Middle River Road in Eastern Baltimore County.           
          
This project will enhance traffic safety and operations through roadway widening and lane reconfigurations to provide: 1) an additional lane along eastbound US 40 through the Middle River Road intersection; 2) a second left-turn lane for motorists going from westbound US 40 onto southbound Middle River Road; and 3) an additional through lane for motorists heading south on Middle River Road across US 40 (please see attached diagram).           
          
The project also includes excavation work and new water line installation along Middle River Road and US 40; repair and resurfacing of existing pavement; construction of new curb, gutter, and ADA – compatible sidewalks and ramps; drainage system improvements; installation of new median barriers, installation of new traffic signs and traffic signal system improvements.           
          
During construction, lane closures along US 40 and Middle River Road may occur at any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. There will be work on some weekends, 7 a.m. Saturday through 5 a.m. Monday. SHA awarded the contract to Daisy Concrete of Maryland. SHA and our contractor appreciate your patience and understanding as we move forward with the project, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2009.          
          
There will be a posted detour route for bicyclists on eastbound and westbound US 40 during construction work. The detour route will take bicyclists traveling along eastbound US 40 towards Joppatowne to northbound Rossville Blvd to eastbound MD 7 (Philadelphia Road) to southbound Ebenezer Road back to eastbound US 40. Bicyclists traveling westbound along US 40 towards Baltimore will take northbound Ebenezer Road to westbound MD 7 to southbound Rossville Boulevard back to westbound US 40.          
          
Local residents or business owners with questions or concerns about the US 40 project may contact the SHA Project Engineer, Ms. Debbie Huth. She many be reached by calling the SHA field office in Middle River at 410-780-2830, or by e-mail at dhuth@sha.state.md.us.           
          
Citizens who have questions about any other State numbered roadway in Baltimore County should call SHA’s District 4 office at 410-321-2800 or toll free 1-800-962-3077. SHA encourages all motorists to plan ahead for extra travel time along US 40 and Middle River Road, to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through highway work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times.           
          
# # #