(August 30, 2010) – As part of ongoing efforts to improve safety at the US 15 (Catoctin Mountain Highway) intersection with Hayward Road, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a $500,000 project to construct a new right turn  lane along southbound US 15 onto Hayward Road.  Preliminary work to set up environmental controls began last Thursday.  Work should be complete late fall, weather permitting.

To improve safety at the intersection, SHA is relocating the right turn lane on southbound US 15 to westbound Hayward Road.  Relocating the right turn will lessen the potential for conflict between US 15 northbound left turning motorists and the southbound US 15 right turning motorists. Motorists turning right on Hayward Road will soon exit onto a new service road which will run parallel to US 15. 

To enhance the safety of our workers and motorists, SHA is lowering the speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph through the work zone during portions of construction.  The Maryland State Police (MSP) and SHA will deploy Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) in the work zone during construction (speed cameras), as excessive speed is an issue on US 15.  
 

In addition to the right turn relocation project outlined above, SHA is also implementing several additional safety enhancements:
• Lower posted speed limit to 50 mph on southbound US 15 from north of Willow Road to south of Hayward Road in mid September;
• Install overhead speed detection sign on southbound US 15 that will display motorist’s speed and will trigger flashing warning beacons when speeds are detected 5 mph over posted limit.

The posted speed limit on northbound US 15 will remain 55 mph.

“These improvements were identified in collaboration with area officials, local law enforcement and community partners,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen.  “We ask that motorists remain attentive to work crews and drive at the appropriate speed through the area, especially during construction.”

During construction, motorists should expect single-lane and shoulder closures on southbound US 15 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.; Friday from midnight to
5 a.m.  Additionally, shoulder closures should be expected on Hayward Road during the same hours.  SHA will use variable message signs, barrels and temporary signs to guide motorists through the work zone. 

In cooperation with the Maryland State Police and Frederick County, SHA has made other recent safety improvements near the intersection this year:
• Installed additional signs on northbound and southbound US 15 to alert drivers of the upcoming intersection; 
• Installed new pavement markings prior to the intersection as a traffic calming effort to encourage drivers to slow down.  This includes three additional sets of rumble strips across both travel lanes just north of the intersection; additional pavement markings have also been installed on southbound US 15 between Hayward Road and 1,500 feet north of the intersection. 

SHA awarded the new intersection improvement contract to L.W. Wolfe Enterprises Inc. of Myersville.  SHA encourages motorists to stay alert in work zones and slow down.  Citizens who have questions about traffic operations along US 15, 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. 
      

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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