(August 25, 2010) – As part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic operations on MD 75 (Green Valley Road) in Monrovia, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $146,000 project to alert commercial vehicle drivers of a low clearance bridge on MD 75 near Baldwin Road.  SHA anticipates completing the project this fall, weather permitting. 

The overheight warning system on southbound MD 75 near Baldwin Road will alert truck drivers if their vehicles are too high to pass beneath the CSX Bridge south of the intersection.  SHA will install two 30-foot steel poles along the road; span wire will be placed between the poles with tubes hanging from the wire.  If an overheight vehicle is too high to pass under the bridge, the top of the truck will strike the hanging devices to warn drivers with a banging sound.

Additionally, at both approaches to the intersection SHA will install two 20-foot high galvanized steel poles with sensors that will project an invisible infrared beam.  If a truck passes through the infrared beam, flashing beacons on the overheight warning detection system will activate.

Commercial development near the MD 75/Baldwin Road intersection has led to increased truck traffic on nearby roadways.  Nearly 6,500 vehicles travel through the intersection each day.  When drivers of high profile vehicles continue along southbound MD 75 south of Baldwin Road, they encounter a low clearance bridge at the CSX railroad crossing.  Drivers then must place their vehicles in reverse and proceed backwards on MD 75 as there are no areas to turn large vehicles around.  This can result in trucks becoming disabled in the roadway.

The new signs will also assist truckers leaving the industrial park.  SHA worked with the Maryland State Police who have increased enforcement efforts in the area.  Earlier this year, SHA installed signs on Baldwin Road at both approaches to southbound MD 75 prohibiting truck traffic over 12’6” from turning onto southbound MD 75.  To enhance safety and sight distance for drivers, SHA also installed “No Stopping” signs along MD 75 and along the I-70 interchange ramps.  Additionally, new signs on Baldwin Road west of MD 75 now direct motorists to use I-70 and I-270. 

SHA awarded the contract to Rommel Engineering & Construction, Inc. of Odenton.  SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones and slow down.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along MD 75, I-70, 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. 
      

# # #