Traffic Shift Needed for Bridge Deck Replacement Project in Owings Mills; Two-Way Bridge Traffic Controlled with Temporary Traffic Signals until spring 2010

(August 17, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is replacing the deck (riding surface) of the McDonogh Road Bridge over the Gwynns Falls.  The McDonogh Road Bridge, originally constructed in 1940, is structurally safe; however, the concrete bridge deck (riding surface) needs replacement.  Weather permitting, the project will be complete spring 2010. 

The $891,000 bridge project, near the McDonogh School, is underway, with single lane closures and flagging operations to guide two-way traffic over the bridge between 9 a.m. and       3 p.m., Monday – Friday until on or about Tuesday, August 25.

On or about Tuesday morning, August 25, SHA will close the eastbound lane of the bridge, with temporary traffic signals in place at each approach to the bridge to control two-way traffic over the westbound lane of the bridge.  The temporary traffic signals and one-lane bridge traffic pattern will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Most construction work will be performed during the day; however, there may be occasional night-time work.   Construction will be performed in two phases.  The first phase will be along the eastbound lane of the bridge and the second phase will be along the westbound lane of the bridge.  The project also includes removal of the old sidewalk on the bridge, replacement of the metal bridge railings with a concrete parapet wall, and resurfacing of the roadway approaches to the bridge. 

SHA and the contractor, Espina Paving Inc., of Woodbridge, Va., urge travelers to plan ahead for extra travel time along McDonogh Road and to drive with caution through the bridge work zone.  Citizens with questions or concerns about the McDonogh Road bridge project may contact the bridge project field office in Baltimore County at 410-356-1656, toll-free at 1-866-998-0367 or by e-mail at shadistrict4@sha.state.md.us

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 Maryland’s Choose Safety for Life campaign at www.choosesafetyforlife.com. 
       
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