Intersection Signalization and Realignment Will Improve Safety; Project Made Possible Through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding           
          
(May 11, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $1.6 million intersection improvement project at the intersection of MD 80 (Fingerboard Road) and Ijamsville/Big Woods Roads east of Urbana, Frederick County. Substantial utility relocation work is underway, which began earlier this month. SHA will begin construction in June and anticipates completion in early October, weather permitting.          
          
Safety improvements include installing a traffic signal and realigning the intersection approaches of Ijamsville/Big Woods Roads to improve sight distance. Currently, Ijamsville Road and Big Woods Road do not intersect MD 80 directly across from each other. The new alignment will create a traditional four-legged intersection with a new traffic signal. In addition to the realignment and signalization, SHA will widen for new dedicated right and left turn lanes onto MD 80, improve drainage and lower the roadway, just east of the intersection.           
          
To facilitate construction, motorists traveling along Ijamsville and Big Woods Roads will be periodically detoured during the project. Appropriate notice signs will be posted to inform drivers prior to implementing the detour. Those traveling south along Ijamsville Road will be detoured from Prices Distillery Road to MD 80.           
          
Motorists traveling north along Big Woods Road will be detoured to MD 355 (Urbana Pike) to MD 80. In addition to the periodic detours, motorists should expect single-lane closures along MD 80 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday through Thursday 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Variable message signs, temporary signs, and barrels will be on site to guide motorists.          
          
This project is funded through President Barack Obama’s landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and is made possible by the Maryland Congressional Delegation’s passage of the economic recovery legislation. This project, together with other ARRA projects, is stimulating Maryland’s economy by preserving and creating thousands of jobs.          
          
During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones across Maryland. 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 pick ups. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
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.           
          
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