Motorists Should Expect Lane Closures Through Early Fall          
          
(July 15, 2008) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $1.5 million project to resurface approximately three miles along westbound MD 175 between US 29 (Columbia Pike) and Dobbin Road in Columbia. SHA expects to complete the project by the end of November, weather permitting.           
          
Motorists should expect single lane closures along MD 175 between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday. In addition to resurfacing, traffic signals along MD 175 at Thunder Hill Road, Tamar Drive, and Dobbin Road will be enhanced with pedestrian “countdown” technology, which numerically displays the amount of time for pedestrians to cross the road. Other pedestrian safety enhancements at these intersections include installing sidewalk ramps at various intersections along MD 175. Variable message signs, barrels, flagpersons, and arrow boards will guide motorists through the work zone. More than 45,000 vehicles travel along this section of MD 175 each day, so motorists should expect delays.           
          
SHA awarded the contract to P. Flanigan & Sons, Inc. of Baltimore. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 175, or other State numbered routes in Howard County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
This traffic engineering improvement is part of the Choose Safety for Life campaign’s 100 Days of Safety. More than 600 people die every year in crashes in Maryland. These tragedies could be prevented if everyone practiced the five key measures: B- SAFE (Buckle up; Slow down – speeding kills; Always drive sober; Focus; Everyone shares the road – everyone gets home). For more information, log onto www.choosesafetyforlife.com          
          
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