(September 20, 2011) – The State Highway Administration’s (SHA) project to replace the existing crossover at the intersection of US 301 (Blue Star Memorial Highway) and MD 304 (Ruthsburg Road) with two “J-turns” is expected to start later this week, weather permitting. The nearly $1.5 million project should be complete by late spring.
The new J-turns will be located on US 301 between Rolling Bridge Road to the south and MD 305 (Hope Road) to the north. The “J-turn” to the north will guide westbound MD 304 motorists approximately 2,500 feet to the north of the intersection where a break in the median will enable motorists to safely make a turn onto US 301. The other “J-turn” enables eastbound MD 304 motorists to travel 1,500 feet to the south where a median break will encourage a safe turn to proceed US 301. These turns will permanently deter motorists from traveling straight across the intersection or attempt to make left turns from MD 304 to US 301.
“SHA has changed five other intersections along US 301 with J-turns and results have been outstanding- reducing crashes by more than 80 percent,” said SHA District Engineer Terry Wright. “When completed this intersection should be much easier for motorists to drive through.”
Work will be conducted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. along southbound US 301. There are no construction work hour restrictions along the northbound lanes of US 301. SHA crews will use variable message signs, cones and barrels together with a flagging operation directing single lane closures during construction so drivers should allow extra travel time and expect delays. Approximately 17,500 motorists travel along this section of US 301 daily.
SHA awarded the contract to David A. Bramble, Inc. of Chestertown. Although the entire project will not be completed until next year, the new traffic patterns will be in place by the end of this year, weather permitting.
While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don’t follow too closely. Saver driving and safer work zones benefit everyone.
Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit:
www.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law restricts hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.
###