Community Safety and Enhancement Project Will Improve Congestion, Pedestrian Safety and Drainage          
          
(April 16, 2009) –Today, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) began a safety and resurfacing project along MD 7D (West Main Street) in Elkton, Cecil County. Weather permitting, the work will be complete by fall 2010.           
          
The project extends approximately one mile along West Main Street between west of Jeffers Street and MD 213 (Bridge Street). Work includes: resurfacing, replacement and reconstruction of sidewalks, drainage improvements, installation of curbs and gutters and landscape restoration.           
          
Motorists can expect single lane closures and alternating traffic Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. along West Main Street between west of Jeffers Street and Maffitt Street. At the request of local business owners, construction on the portion of MD 7D from Maffitt Street to MD 213 will be conducted Sunday through Thursday between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. SHA will provide flaggers, variable message signs, cones and arrow boards to guide motorists and pedestrians through the work zone.           
          
SHA awarded the $2 million contract to Meadows Construction, Inc. Citizens who have questions about MD 7D or any other State numbered roadway in Cecil County should call SHA’s District 2 office at 410-778-3061 or toll-free at 800-637-9740. Upon completion of this project, SHA will transfer its ownership of MD 7D to the town of Elkton.           
          
As temperatures rise over the next several weeks, work zones will be an increasingly familiar sight. SHA encourages all motorists to drive responsibly, Choose Safety for Life and “Think Orange,” which is the color of construction signs and warning devices While driving through work zones, protect our workers, as well as yourself by driving the speed limit and remaining alert. Pedestrians, too, should exercise caution when traveling through work zones which may impact sidewalks and crosswalks. Learn more about work zone safety and the Choose Safety for Life campaign at www.choosesafetyforlife.com.           
          
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