(January 4, 2011) – On Thursday, January 6 the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is closing the existing MD 725 (Old Marlboro Pike) Bridge over Federal Spring Branch to begin the demolition phase of the bridge project in Upper Marlboro.  SHA will shift traffic on both directions of MD 725 to a temporary detour road located adjacent to the existing bridge.

Weather permitting, SHA will begin the traffic shift at 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 6; the shift should be complete by 11 a.m. SHA will maintain traffic with one northbound and one southbound lane, and will use variable message signs, barrels and cones to guide motorists through the work zone.  The bridge reconstruction project is expected to be complete summer 2011, weather permitting. 

The $2 million bridge replacement project will remove and replace the existing bridge with a wider structure that will accommodate a new 558 foot sidewalk and 5 1/2 foot wide shoulders.  Remaining work includes constructing a new temporary bridge and approaching roadway, reconstructing 940 feet of the roadway leading up to the existing bridge, installing new pavement markings.  SHA’s contractor for the project is Chevy Chase Contractors, Inc. 

Customers who have questions about MD 725 or any other State numbered roadway in Prince George’s County should call SHA’s District 3 office at 1-800-749-0737.  SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. Citizens can also subscribe to the District 3 RSS feed at http://www.marylandroads.com/pages/districts.aspx?did=d3

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