(May 6, 2010) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $2.4 million project to enhance MD 27 (Ridge Road) in Mt. Airy, Carroll County.  SHA will also improve access to the existing 125 space ridesharing lot on MD 27 north of I-70.  SHA anticipates completing the project in spring 2011, weather permitting.

In addition to the intersection improvements, SHA will extend the two through lane section of northbound MD 27 from Ridge Avenue to north of the Twin Arch Road/Park Avenue intersection.

MD 27 intersection at Twin Arch Road/Park Avenue:
• New dedicated right-turn lane from northbound MD 27 to Twin Arch Road;

MD 27 at Center Street:
• New dedicated left-turn lanes on northbound and southbound lanes of MD 27;

MD 27 ridesharing lot north of I-70:
• New dedicated right-turn lanes at entrance and exit of ridesharing lot;
• New dedicated left-turn lane on northbound MD 27 at ridesharing lot entrance;
• SHA will also extend the dedicated right-turn lane/acceleration lane from the ridesharing lot to Ridge Avenue;

SHA will resurface almost two miles of MD 27 between Ridge Avenue and north of Center Street to facilitate the intersection improvements.  SHA will also construct ADA compliant sidewalk ramps at the Center Street and Twin Arch/Park Avenue intersections.

Motorists on MD 27 should expect single-lane closures Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and midnight to 5 a.m.  Variable message signs, barrels, and temporary signs will guide motorists through the work zone.  More than 18,000 vehicles travel along this section of MD 27 each day; motorists should expect delays.

SHA awarded the contract to F. O. Day Inc. of Rockville.  SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones and slow down.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 27, 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. 

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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