Bridge to Close to Traffic on or About July 7 for Up to Five Weeks; Motorists Should Expect Shoulder Closures and Occasional Single Lane Closures through Early July          
          
(May 8, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun preliminary work on a $1.8 million bridge replacement project of the MD 362 (Mount Vernon Road) Bridge over Monie Creek in Princess Anne, Somerset County.          
          
As part of preliminary work, SHA has closed the shoulders along MD 362 at the bridge to drive bridge piles, prior to the complete closure of MD 362 in July. The bridge will be closed to traffic on or about Tuesday, July 7, 2009. Weather permitting, the bridge should be open to traffic in early-September and the entire project complete by October.          
          
SHA will implement the following detour along MD 362: MD 362 to East Ridge Road to Factory Road to MD 362. The detour is approximately three miles and motorists will be guided by detour signs and variable message signs. Access to businesses will be available during construction. Trucks will use the following six mile detour: US 13 (Ocean Highway) to Allen Road to Polk Road to Fitzbound Road and back to MD 362.          
          
The existing bridge was built in 1934, widened in 1963 and carries two lanes of traffic and nearly 3,600 vehicles each day. The bridge is prone to flooding during storms and is nearing the end of its useful life. The new bridge will be constructed three feet higher to prevent flooding during heavy rain and will be approximately 100 feet longer.          
          
Prior to the July 7 road closure, motorists should expect single lane closures Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Detour signs, arrow panels, cones and barrels will guide motorists safely through the work zone. SHA awarded the contract to Brawner Builders of Hunt Valley.          
          
SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through highway work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. Learn more about work zone safety and the Choose Safety for Life campaign at www.choosesafetyforlife.com. Citizens that have questions about State numbered routes may contact SHA’s District 1 Office at 410-677-4000 or 1-800-825-4742.          
          
# # #