Traffic Shifted onto New Lanes of MD 2/4; Crews Move to 24-Hour Work as Widening Project Nears Completion          
          
(May 27, 2009) – Commuters who travel along MD 2/4 (Solomons Island Road) from southern Maryland to Washington, D.C. are in for a pleasant surprise – the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) widening project through Prince Frederick reached a major milestone on May 21 when both north and southbound traffic was shifted onto new lanes, and the general contractor for the $16 million project shifted into high gear with 24-hour work schedules.          
          
All utility work has been completed; progress continues on curb, gutter, landscaping and signal work, and crews have begun construction the new median. Weather permitting, the nearly two-year project could be completed by this fall.          
          
The widening project will upgrade the .78 mile section of MD 2/4 between Old Field Lane and Commerce Lane to a six-lane divided highway. Improvements include the addition of a third lane in each direction, double left turn lanes, a raised median, ADA-compliant sidewalks, audible/countdown pedestrian signals at intersections, the elevation of MD 231 to improve visibility and drainage, and new traffic signals at MD 231 (Hallowing Point Road/Church Street).          
          
Each day, more than 40,000 vehicles pass through the MD 2/4 Prince Frederick commercial corridor. This figure is expected to nearly double by 2030.          
          
SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through highway work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. Learn more about work zone safety and the Choose Safety for Life campaign at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.          
          
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