Left Turn Lanes to be Extended along Each Direction of US 50 at MD 213          
          
(April 10, 2008) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $200,000 project to extend the left turn lanes at the US 50 (Ocean Gateway)/MD 213 (Centreville Road) intersection in Queen Anne’s County. Weather permitting, the project will be completed by mid-May.           
          
The existing eastbound US 50 to northbound MD 213 turn lane is 400 feet and the westbound US 50 to southbound MD 213 is 250 feet. Both existing left turn lanes will be extended to 600 feet each, which allows for approximately 25 vehicles in each turn lane. The extra vehicle storage will help prevent left turning vehicles from backing into the through lanes, which creates congestion and potential for rear-end crashes.           
          
Motorists can expect daytime single lane closures along US 50 between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. SHA will use dynamic message signs, arrow boards, cones and barrels to guide motorists through the work zone.          
          
In late-January, SHA completed the first phase of safety improvements at the intersection. SHA converted the existing left turns along US 50 at MD 213 to allow motorists to turn left only on a green arrow. This improvement provides motorists turning left from either direction along US 50 to MD 213 with an exclusive left turn. The timing of the signal was adjusted to work in conjunction with the improvement. The left turn lane extensions are beginning as temperatures are now adequate for paving and striping.          
          
SHA awarded the contract to David A. Bramble of Chestertown. SHA and the contractor appreciate motorists’ patience during the construction process and remind all drivers to plan for extra travel time, buckle up and obey posted speed limits while driving through highway work zones. Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on US 50, MD 213 or other State numbered routes in Queen Anne’s County may call SHA’s District 2 Office at 410-810-3200 or toll free at 1-800-637-9740.          
          
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