(July 20, 2010) – Beginning Monday, July 19 the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a $800,000  project to improve the intersection on   MD 140 (Baltimore Boulevard) with Sandymount Road.  SHA anticipates completing work this fall, weather permitting. 

To improve safety at the intersection SHA will lengthen the existing left-turn lanes on MD 140 in both directions to provide additional capacity for left turning vehicles.  The additional capacity will prevent left turning vehicles from backing onto mainline MD 140.  SHA will extend the eastbound left turn lane approximately 600 feet and the westbound lane approximately 1000 feet. SHA will also improve stormwater management at the intersection.

During construction SHA will temporarily close the crossover.  The closure will provide ample room for equipment access.  The crossover will be closed for approximately six weeks and is expected to reopen prior to the start of school. 

Motorists on eastbound MD 140 planning to access Sandymount Road will be directed to the next intersection at Bethel Road to turn onto westbound MD 140 and proceed back to Sandymount Road.  Motorists on westbound MD 140 planning to access Sandymount Road will be directed to the next intersection at Suffolk Road/Green Mill Road to turn onto eastbound MD 140 and proceed back to Sandymount Road. 

SHA awarded the contract to Concrete General, Inc. of Gaithersburg.  SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones and slow down.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 140 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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