New Roundabout to Partially Open Along MD 482 Thursday Morning; Entire Bypass to Open by Mid-June           
          
(April 14, 2009) – By Thursday morning, April 16, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will partially open the new roundabout where MD 482 connects with the Hampstead Bypass. Weather permitting, beginning Wednesday evening at 8 p.m., SHA will begin shifting traffic along MD 482 (Hampstead Mexico Road) to a new roundabout at the MD 30 Relocated intersection as part of the $41 million MD 30 Relocated (Hampstead Bypass) Project in Carroll County.           
          
SHA will open the eastbound and westbound MD 482 movements of the roundabout only; the shift will occur overnight in advance of Thursday morning’s rush hour to allow crews to complete final paving on the roundabout. Motorists will not have full use of the MD 482 roundabout or the Hampstead Bypass until it completely opens to traffic by mid-June. SHA will place variable message signs, barrels, and temporary signs that will guide motorists through the work zone.           
          
The unique designs of roundabouts reduce the possibility of severe crashes by eliminating busy intersections and replacing them with one-way movements. Roundabouts also provide a traffic calming effect as motorists must slow down to enter the intersection. At intersections in Maryland, crashes have declined by more than 70 percent where SHA installed roundabouts. Upon completion, the Hampstead Bypass will allow motorists to travel through the westernmost part of the Hampstead area without any traffic signals. For roundabout driving tips, log onto www.marylandroads.com          
          
During the next several months, there could be more than 350 work zones. Remember that work zones are not only large construction projects possibly taking years to complete, but include smaller, mobile operations such as mowing, pothole repair and litter pick ups. Choose to make work zone safety your business at www.choosesafetyforlife.com. Those who have questions about traffic operations on MD 482 or other State numbered routes in Carroll County, may call SHA’s District 7 Office at 301-624-8100 or toll free at 1-800-635-5119.           
          
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