Stimulus Funds Improve Pedestrian Mobility in Local Communities

(October 8, 2009) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began upgrading sidewalk ramps and driveway entrances along MD 528 (Coastal Highway) between 30th Street and the Delaware State Line in Ocean City.  This is one of four projects to take place in Worcester, Dorchester and Somerset counties, enhancing  pedestrian access and achieving compliancy with  the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).  These projects, totaling $2.7 million, are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Weather permitting, the project will be complete by spring 2010. 

Construction along Coastal Highway also includes installing audible and countdown pedestrian signals, replacing curbs and gutters and replacing of sidewalks at various locations. Crews will work Monday through Friday from sunrise to sunset. Portions of the southbound and northbound bus routes may be temporarily closed and bus stops may be slightly shifted. Pedestrians may encounter alternating sidewalk closures. SHA crews will use arrow panels, traffic barrels, traffic cones and signs to guide motorists, bus drivers and pedestrians through the work zone.

Later this fall and next spring, SHA will perform similar work at the following locations:

• MD 343 (Washington Street) from St. Clair Avenue to Pine Street in Cambridge, Dorchester County;
• MD 675 (Somerset Avenue) from South Street to Antioch Avenue and from Front Street to Cemetery Lane in Princess Anne, Somerset County; and
• MD 12 (Church Street) from W. Market Street to South Drive in Snow Hill, Worcester County.

This project is part of SHA’s ongoing effort to bring all sidewalks and facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.  Currently the state’s highway system features more than 56 percent compliance with a total of 2.83 million linear feet of complaint sidewalk throughout Maryland.

SHA awarded this contract to Image Asphalt Maintenance of Pasadena. SHA encourages all motorists and pedestrians to remain alert, Choose Safety for Life and “Think Orange” while traveling through work zones.  Learn more about work zone safety and the Choose Safety for Life campaign at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.

Those who have questions about MD 528, MD 343, MD 675, MD 12 or any other state-numbered roadway in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico or Worcester counties should call SHA’s District 1 office at 410-677-4000 or toll free at 1-800-825-4742.

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