(May 12,2010) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin work to rehabilitate the York Road (MD 45) Bridge over Western Run, just north of Shawan Road in Hunt Valley, Baltimore County.   Due to narrow lane widths, SHA will temporarily close the bridge between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Sunday, May 16 to Thursday, May 20th.  Local traffic will only have access to north and south sides of the bridge during full closures between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

During the temporary nighttime closures, SHA will begin preliminary work to replace the parapet wall on the historic arch bridge, which was originally constructed in 1917.  The temporary night closures will allow SHA to minimize traffic impacts to the 24,000 motorists who use the road on average every day. 

The temporary nighttime closures will expedite the project and will enable SHA to make significant progress on the project before Baltimore County Schools end for the summer.  Upon school dismissal for the year on June 19, SHA will institute a temporary closure and detour of southbound York Road.  Southbound York Road will be detoured to Belfast Road to southbound I-83 (Baltimore/Harrisburg Expressway) to eastbound Shawan Road to York Road.  Northbound York Road will remain open during construction except for several full time closures at nighttime between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

SHA will use variable message signs, detour signs, concrete barriers and cones to guide traffic through the work zone.  The $275,000 project should be completed by August 15, weather permitting.  The State’s contractor for the project is PDI Sheetz Construction of Baltimore.

SHA reminds motorists that when workers are on the road, THINK ORANGE, which is the color of construction signs, barrels and warning devices.  Please slow down, stay alert and expect the unexpected.  Choose safety for life and to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.

Citizens who have questions about traffic operations on MD 45, I-83or other State numbered routes in Baltimore County may call SHA’s District 4 Office at 410-229-2300 or toll free at 1-866-998-0367. 

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