Existing Mountable Curb to be Replaced; Motorists Will Make U- Turns at MD 26 or Piney Ridge Parkway Intersections          
          
(May 8, 2009) – As part of its commitment to safety, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is improving MD 32 (Sykesville Road) in Eldersburg. SHA will improve the median concrete divider along MD 32 between MD 26 (Liberty Road) and MacBeth Way/Piney Ridge Parkway in Carroll County. SHA anticipates completing the project next week, weather permitting.           
          
Mountable median curb was designed for approximately one-tenth of a mile along MD 32, similarly used for roundabout approaches and driveway aprons. Since construction was completed along MD 32 between MD 26 and MacBeth Way in fall 2008, SHA has observed motorists driving over the curb to make left turns, which increases the potential for crashes.           
          
To enhance safety, SHA will remove the mountable curb and replace it with a concrete divider, similar to what currently exists along MD 32 just north and south of this area. With this addition of the higher curb, motorists will be directed to make U-turns at MD 26 or Piney Ridge Parkway. Motorists should expect single-lane closures or lane shifts along MD 32 between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. next week. Arrow boards, temporary signs, and barrels will guide motorists through the work zone. Approximately 29,400 vehicles travel along this section of MD 32 daily; motorists should expect delays. SHA awarded the enhancement project to J & P Excavating, Inc. Those who have questions about traffic operations along MD 32, MD 26 or other State numbered routes in Carroll County may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones in 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.          
          
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