$2.3 Million Investment Will Improve Roadway Safety in Capitol Heights and Seat Pleasant           
          
          
(July 18, 2008) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin resurfacing and safety improvements along more than one mile of MD 214 (Central Avenue) between Cindy Lane and the District of Columbia line in Prince George’s County. Weather permitting, construction will be complete spring 2009.          
          
The project also includes culvert pipe replacement and cleaning, replacement of traffic barrier, and new curb and gutter installation to improve drainage. Other improvements include grinding and patching of the existing roadway, resurfacing and new pavement markings, as well as installation of ADA-compliant sidewalk.           
          
During construction, motorists can expect daytime single lane closures and possible lane shifts along MD 214 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Nighttime single lane closures are possible between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, with double lane closures between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. SHA will provide variable message signs, drums, and arrow boards to guide motorists through the work zone. SHA awarded the contract to Fort Meyer Construction Corporation of Washington, DC.          
          
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 workers are on the road, 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 www.choosesafetyforlife.com          
          
Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on MD 214 or other State numbered routes in Montgomery County may call SHA’s District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll free at 1-800-749-0737.           
          
# # #