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

(October 1, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will close one lane of the two-lane bridge carrying McDonogh Road over the Gwynns Falls on or about 9 a.m. Friday, October 2.  Temporary traffic signals at each approach to the bridge will control two-way traffic over the bridge.   The temporary traffic signals and one-lane bridge traffic pattern will be in effect until late fall, weather permitting. 

The new traffic pattern and long-term temporary lane closure is necessary for SHA’s project to replace 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.  The $891,000 bridge project began in late summer. 

Most construction work will be performed during the day; however, there may be occasional night-time work.   Construction is being performed in two phases.  The first phase is along the eastbound lane of the bridge and the second phase will be along the westbound lane of the bridge.  The project also includes removing the old sidewalk on the bridge, replacing 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.   Weather permitting, the project will be complete early spring 2010.  Citizens with questions or concerns about the McDonogh Road bridge project may contact the SHA 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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