Connection at Big Woods Road Will Reopen In Spring 2010; Works Continues to Improve Safety at MD 80 Intersection

(November 2, 2009) – This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will temporarily close Big Woods Road where it intersects MD 80 (Fingerboard Road) east of Urbana in Frederick County.  The temporary closure is part of the $1.6 million project to improve the MD 80/Ijamsville-Big Woods Roads intersection. 

To facilitate construction of the roadway improvement, SHA will temporarily close Big Woods Road after the morning commute on Thursday, November 5.  SHA will reopen the road in spring 2010 weather permitting.  Currently, Ijamsville Road and Big Woods Road do not intersect MD 80 directly across from each other. 

SHA will enhance safety by improving sight distance at the intersection.  During the temporary closure, those traveling north along Big Woods Road will be detoured to MD 355 (Urbana Pike) to MD 80.  The project is funded in part by Frederick County.   SHA anticipates completing the overall intersection improvement project in spring 2010, weather permitting. 

Last month, SHA temporarily closed Ijamsville Road where it intersects MD 80 to facilitate roadway realignment.  On Saturday, November 7, SHA will reopen Ijamsville Road to through traffic.  SHA thanks motorists for their patience and understanding during the temporary closures.

This project is made possible through Governor Martin O’Malley’s aggressive management of the requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, bringing critically needed transportation investments to Maryland.  Projects such as these are stimulating Maryland’s economy by supporting hundreds of jobs.  Follow the delivery of these projects at www.recovery.maryland.gov, which tracks every category of ARRA spending and provides contract-level details to the public in an effort to achieve new levels of government transparency and efficiency.

SHA awarded the contract to F.O. Day, Inc.  Those who have questions about traffic operations along MD 80, or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.  SHA reminds all drivers to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, think orange, and stay alert in the work zone. 

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 removal.  Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com. 

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