(June 1, 2009) –The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a project to improve drainage along US 40 Alternate (Main Street) through downtown Frostburg. This section of Main Street experiences minor flooding and ponding of water during severe storms as water flows downhill toward MD 36 (Water Street). SHA expects to complete the $325,000 project by the end of August, weather permitting.           
          
The Town of Frostburg recently completed upgrades to separate its sewer and stormwater systems to accommodate additional capacity, allowing new drainage inlets to be used. SHA will remove concrete curb in front of the inlets and complete final connections to the stormwater system.           
          
Motorists traveling through downtown Frostburg should expect single-lane closures along US 40 Alternate, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Residential access will be maintained during construction. Motorists should expect delays and limited street parking daily during work hours. Flag persons, barrels and temporary signs will guide motorists through the work zone. Approximately 15,400 vehicles travel along US 40 Alternate through Frostburg each day.           
          
As part of the Frostburg Streetscape project completed in 2001, SHA installed 18 new drainage inlets along Main Street between Lemmerts Alley and MD 36 to improve overall stormwater management. The new inlets were not made fully operational at the request of the Maryland Department of Environment, as the additional capacity would overload the existing sewer system. New inlets were covered with concrete curb until the Town of Frostburg could make improvements to existing stormwater and sewer systems.           
          
SHA awarded the contract to Kiddy’s Contracting of Lonaconing. Those who have questions about traffic operations along US 40 Alternate, MD 36 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. Questions about the town’s stormwater management project may be directed to Frostburg City Hall at 301-689-6000 ext. 23.           
          
During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones across the State of Maryland. 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. Choose Safety for Life and make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
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