(July 7, 2009) -- The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $2 million project to construct a new noise barrier along southbound I-83 (Baltimore-Harrisburg Expressway) south of Belfast Road (Exit 24).  The project is slated for completion winter 2010.

The project includes constructing a retaining wall, installing a 1,716-foot noise barrier, landscaping, constructing a box culvert, drainage improvements and new steel beam traffic barriers along the shoulders of southbound I-83 in the Priceville community.  As part of the project, SHA will also plant many native species next spring.

Crews are currently performing site work alongside the right shoulder of southbound I-83 to set temporary concrete traffic barriers and create a safer work zone for construction personnel and equipment.  Construction work will begin once the barriers are set in place and will continue through the summer and fall.  

SHA and the contractor, Kibler Construction of Finksburg, may institute occasional temporary lane closures along southbound I-83 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  For more information about the construction process or traffic operations during the I-83 noise barrier project, citizens may contact SHA’s District 4 Office – Construction Division by phone at 410-229-2420, toll free at  1-866-998-0367, or by e-mail at SHADistrict4@sha.state.md.us.

During the next several months there could be more than 350 work zones across 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 pickups.  Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.  Choose Safety for Life—slow down and focus in work zones.

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