MD 180 to Reopen to Through Traffic This Fall          
          
(June 19, 2009) – Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will resume work to replace the two-lane bridge and associated improvements along MD 180 (Jefferson Pike) in Knoxville, Frederick County. SHA began this project to replace the bridge built in 1910 in June 2008.           
          
Replacement of a wall along the north side was required to ensure the continued integrity of the roadway and the safety of the traveling public. Although work to the bridge is substantially complete, SHA is unable to open the road until the retaining wall is replaced. Crews will construct a temporary retaining wall between the existing retaining wall and the roadway to stabilize MD 180.           
          
“SHA is deeply sorry for the delay in completing this project,” said SHA District Engineer Dave Coyne. “We realize that this has been an inconvenience to the residents, commuters and business owners in Knoxville, the surrounding area and those who rely on MD 180 for their daily travels.”           
          
Once the new wall is built, SHA will remove the temporary retaining wall, restore access to private driveways along MD 180 and pave the roadway. SHA anticipates reopening MD 180 to through traffic this fall; the overall project will be complete spring 2010, weather permitting. During the remaining construction phase of the project, motorists should expect detours and single-lane closures along MD 180 during off peak hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.           
          
During construction of the new bridge last year, crews discovered the retaining wall (a wall structure which holds back rock and soil and prevents erosion) supporting MD 180 and several driveways, was deteriorating. SHA worked closely with both the Maryland Historic Trust (MHT) to coordinate the cultural resources and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to secure necessary approvals to redesign and construct the new retaining wall. Those who have questions about traffic operations along MD 180, or other State numbered routes in Frederick County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
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