New Southern Roundabout to Partially Open Along MD 30           
          
(May 15, 2009) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will partially open the southern roundabout along the Hampstead Bypass where existing MD 30 (Hanover Pike) connects with the bypass near Wolf Hill Drive. SHA will shift traffic along existing MD 30 beginning Thursday evening at approximately 8 p.m., weather permitting. The new traffic pattern is part of the $41 million MD 30 Relocated (Hampstead Bypass) Project in Carroll County. SHA anticipates opening the four-mile roadway to traffic this summer.          
          
SHA will open the northbound and southbound movements of the roundabout only; motorists will not be able to access the bypass until it opens later this summer. The traffic shift will occur overnight on Thursday, May 21, in advance of the Friday morning commute to allow crews to complete final paving on the roundabout.           
          
As part of opening the new roundabout, access from Wolf Hill Drive to MD 30 will be permanently closed. Motorists in the Wolf Hill community will now be able to access existing MD 30 using the newly extended Phillips Drive to reach the new roundabout to MD 30.           
          
SHA will place variable message signs, barrels, and temporary signs that will guide motorists through the work zone. Those who have questions about traffic operations on MD 30 or other State numbered routes in Carroll County may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones statewide. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but include smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
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