New Median Guardrail Will Enhance Safety along I-68; Project Made Possible Through ARRA Funding           
          
(May 7, 2009) – Beginning Monday, May 11, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $1.4 million safety enhancement project to install guardrail along the median of I-68 (National Freeway) near the Washington/Allegany county line. Weather permitting, the project should be completed in July.           
          
Approximately 40,000 feet of guardrail will be installed along ten miles of I-68 between Sandy Mile Road in Washington County and Orleans Road in Allegany County. Median guardrail will enhance safety along I-68, preventing vehicles from crossing the median onto the opposing roadway. Those traveling along I-68 should be prepared for single-lane and shoulder closures, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This section of I-68 carries an average of 14,700 vehicles each day.           
          
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 landmark economic recovery legislation. This project, together with other ARRA projects, is stimulating Maryland’s economy by preserving and creating thousands of jobs.          
          
SHA awarded the contract to Green Acres Contracting, Inc. Those who have questions about traffic operations along I-68, or other State numbered routes in Washington and Allegany Counties may call SHA’s District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll-free at 1-800-760-7138. SHA reminds all drivers to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, think orange, and stay alert in the work zone.           
          
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. Choose Safety for Life—slowdown and focus in work zones.          
          
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