State-City-County Partnership Provides ADA Compliant Sidewalks and Safety Enhancements

(November 25, 2009) – For those who drive along US 40 in Hagerstown, the presence of construction barrels is very prominent.  That is because the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is working to improve US 40 (Dual Highway) at Edgewood Drive.  Crews are now performing drainage work as part of a $7 million intersection improvement project in Washington County.

“With these improvements, the reconstructed intersection will help reduce congestion and enhance safety for many motorists and pedestrians in the area,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen.  “Safety enhancements along US 40 will enable them to access their businesses and homes safely without having to deal with congestion.”

Design, right-of-way and construction for the project are a result of a state-city-county partnership between SHA, City of Hagerstown and Washington County.  Crews are now improving the stormwater system on US 40 and Edgewood Drive and will soon begin installing the new water line from Mt. Aetna Road to US 40.  In a few weeks, SHA will start the widening on westbound US 40 and northbound Edgewood Drive.  SHA anticipates completing the overall project fall 2010, weather permitting. 

SHA is improving US 40 and Edgewood Drive by:

• Widening existing two-lane US 40 to three through-lanes between west of I-70
(Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway) and east of Mt. Aetna Road;
• Widening Edgewood Drive to two through-lanes between the Hoffman Auto Mall and Mt. Aetna Road;
• Improving traffic operations at the intersection by adding new double left-turn lanes from southbound Edgewood Drive to eastbound US 40;
• Enhancing the existing traffic signal to include accessible pedestrian signals (APS) to assist those crossing the intersection.  The APS system is an automated voice that alerts pedestrians when to cross; countdown signals display a timer, showing how much time is remaining to safely cross the street;
• Enhancing pedestrian safety with new ADA-compliant sidewalks along westbound US 40 and on Edgewood Drive in both directions throughout project limits; and
• Improving the existing stormwater management system.

“I’m very pleased this project has reached this point of construction.  It is a very important project, very much related to the future quality of life in Washington County,” said Senator Donald Munson.  “I’m grateful for the support of the Washington County community and the City of Hagerstown and Washington County governments.  The State Highway Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation did excellent work in getting this project to construction.  I’m also grateful for the Washington County Delegation's support of this project.”

During construction, motorists can expect lane closures to occur Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Single lane closures will allow greater safety for highway crews working on the road and for motorists driving through the work zone.  Crews may also need to close a lane of Edgewood Drive, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pessoa Construction Company of Fairmount Heights is the contractor for the project.  Those who have questions about traffic operations along US 40, or other State numbered routes in Washington County, may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll free at 1-800-760-7138.  Choose to make work zone safety your business at SHA’s traffic safety website, www.choosesafetyforlife.com. 

# # #