Traffic to be Detoured beginning May 30th; Motorists Should Expect Area Delays          
          
(May 29, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will work with CSX Transportation to close a section of MD 30 (Hanover Pike) in Carroll County, beginning Friday, May 30th. The closure is necessary to enable a smoother transition for vehicles over the railroad tracks.           
          
Simultaneous with the CSX project as part of the Hampstead Bypass (MD 30 Relocated) project, SHA will temporarily close the southbound lane of MD 30 near Wolf Hill Drive. Two-way traffic will be maintained in this area with a flagging operation in the northbound lane of MD 30. This work is necessary to reconstruct and repave the shoulder for the Hampstead Bypass tie-in. Motorists will be able to use this intersection. Work for both locations will begin at 9 p.m.          
          
Beginning Friday, May 30 at 9 p.m., MD 30 will close at the CSX crossing south of Hampshire Drive. Through traffic along MD 30 will be detoured as follows:           
          
MD 30 north of the CSX crossing, motorists will be directed to MD 140 east to MD 27 south to MD 482 (Hampstead Mexico Road) west which connects to MD 30.          
          
MD 30 south of the CSX crossing, motorists will be directed to MD 140 west to MD 27 north to MD 482 (Hampstead Mexico Road) east which connects to MD 30.          
          
The road will reopen no later than Sunday afternoon, June 1 at 5 p.m. Variable message signs, additional signs, and portable intersection lighting will be in place to alert motorists of the detour and work zone. Approximately 21,000 motorists travel through this area each day. The overall Hampstead bypass project is scheduled to be complete in spring 2009, weather permitting.           
          
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 choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 30, or other State numbered routes in Carroll County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
          
# # #