(March 18, 2011) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is making drainage and intersection improvements to the MD 480 (Ridgely Road) at   MD 404 (Shore Highway) intersection near the towns of Denton, Ridgely and Queen Anne.

On Monday, March 21, SHA will close a section of southbound MD 480 at MD 404 so crews can safely install drainage pipes and resurface the intersection.  The following traffic changes will be in place for approximately three weeks beginning March 21:

• MD 480 south to MD 404 -- MD 480 south will be CLOSED prior to the MD 404 intersection.  Motorists should use MD 312 (Downes Station Road) to access MD 404.
• MD 404 east to MD 480 north -- Motorists who travel east on MD 404 will still be able to turn left onto MD 480 north.
• MD 404 west to MD 480 north -- Motorists traveling west on MD 404 and wishing to turn right onto MD 480 north must use MD 312 to MD 480.  Right turns from MD 404 west onto MD 480 north will NOT be permitted during construction.
• Ridgely Road (south of MD 404) to MD 480 north -- Motorists heading north on Ridgely Road from businesses and homes on the south side of MD 404 will be able to continue straight across MD 404 onto MD 480 north.
• MD 404 to Ridgely Road south -- Motorists heading in both directions on MD 404 will still be able to turn onto Ridgely Road south of MD 404.

Detour signs will be posted and access to all homes and businesses will be maintained during construction.  SHA’s intersection improvements include new traffic signals and dedicated turn lanes.  SHA will activate the new signals on Monday, March 21 in advance of the partial closures.  These intersection improvements will enhance safety and facilitate traffic flow along MD 404, a major route for summer beach traffic.

This work is part of the dualization of more than one mile of MD 404 from Tuckahoe Creek to approximately 2,000 feet east of MD 480.  MD 404 averages up to 20,000 vehicle trips per day, while MD 480 has an average of nearly 6,000 vehicle trip per day.

David A. Bramble, Inc. of Chestertown was awarded the $7 million contract, and work should be completed by summer 2012, weather permitting.

SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly and “Think Orange” while driving through highway work zones by driving the speed limit and remaining alert at all times. Learn more about work zone safety and the Choose Safety for Life campaign at ww.choosesafetyforlife.com.

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