Project to Last Approximately One Month; Motorists Should Expect Delays          
          
(August 7, 2008) – Beginning Monday, August 11, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a one month resurfacing project along the entire 2.5 mile section of MD 51E (Uhl Highway) between the northern and southern limits at MD 51 (Industrial Boulevard) in Cumberland, Allegany County. Weather permitting, SHA will complete the project by the end of this month.          
          
The $750,000 project will mill and resurface more than two miles along Uhl Highway between both intersections with Industrial Boulevard (Uhl Highway starts and ends at different points along MD 51). Project benefits include a smoother ride surface and new pavement markings.          
          
SHA will guide motorists through the work zone with a flagging operation and cones. Motorists should expect delays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. until the project is complete. SHA awarded the contract to IA Construction, Inc. of Cumberland. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 51E, MD 51 or other State numbered routes in Allegany County may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.           
          
During the next several months, 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. 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 entering a work zone, THINK ORANGE, which is the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices. Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected. Choose to make work zone safety your business at choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
          
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