Motorists Should Expect Daytime Lane Closures Along US 15 Near Point of Rocks; Preliminary Work to Begin This Spring          
          
          
          
(April 18, 2008) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will soon begin preliminary work for a new roundabout at the existing intersection of US 15 (Catoctin Mountain Highway) and MD 464 (Point of Rocks Road) in Point of Rocks, Frederick County. Weather permitting, preliminary work is scheduled to begin this spring.           
          
Earlier this year, SHA upgraded the flashing yellow beacons on US 15 and the red flashing beacons on MD 464 to larger, more intense flashing lights. In addition to the roundabout, SHA will begin installing large, bright intersection warning signs with flashing beacons on northbound US 15. The signs will include a warning message alerting drivers of the intersection ahead. This work will be completed in advance of the roundabout construction.          
          
Later this year, SHA will begin constructing a two lane roundabout to enhance traffic safety and operations at the intersection. The existing intersection carries approximately 17,000 vehicles per day.           
          
“SHA is pleased that the project will soon be underway,” said David Coyne, SHA District Engineer for Frederick, Carroll and Howard counties. “The roundabout and associated improvements will significantly improve safety and traffic operations in Point of Rocks.”           
          
Roundabouts reduce the possibility of severe crashes at busy intersections. Roundabouts also provide a traffic calming effect as motorists must slow down to enter the intersection. At intersections in Maryland, crashes have declined by more than 70 percent where SHA installed roundabouts.           
          
SHA awarded the $2.7 million contract to F.O. Day, Inc. of Rockville. The Canal Run community developer is contributing $1.5 million to the project. SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones. Additional information related to Maryland’s roundabouts can be found at www.marylandroads.com. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on US 15, MD 464, or other state numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office toll free at           
1-800-635-5119.           
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