(April 30, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) has started a $1 million project to enhance pedestrian safety at the
MD 213 (Singerly Road/North Bridge Street)/MD 279 (Newark Avenue) intersection in Elkton, Cecil County. Weather permitting; the project should be complete this fall.
“This project will enhance pedestrian access from residential areas to commercial businesses in the heart of Elkton,” said SHA District Engineer Greg Holsey. “Motorists are urged to slow down in the construction zone and keep a sharp eye for our dedicated workers.”
Crews will replace the existing traffic signal system with new LED traffic signals and install pedestrian countdown signals. All directions of the intersection will be upgraded to include new crosswalks and ADA-compliant ramps with detectable warning devices.
Other work includes:
• Upgrading older and damaged sidewalk to ADA standards;
• Constructing concrete curb and gutter;
• Cleaning and repairing stormwater management pipes, culverts and inlets; and
• Milling (removing the top layer of asphalt), resurfacing and restriping the intersection.
SHA’s contractor, Daisy Concrete of Newport, Delaware, will work Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Crews will use cones, barrels and arrow boards to guide traffic through the intersection. Approximately 14,000 vehicles travel MD 213 near MD 279 each day.
The spring and summer construction season is getting into high gear. For a statewide listing of most SHA projects,
click here for e-Road Ready 2015.
In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones. Always expect the unexpected, pay extra close attention and drive slowly through any work zone. Whether it’s a tree trimming operation or a bridge project, be aware when orange is there: Think Orange (the color of construction equipment and signs), stay alert and slow down. Everyone is at risk.
In four out of five work zone-related crashes, it is the driver or passenger who is injured or killed. In 2014, nine people lost their lives in Maryland work zone crashes, including four highway workers. While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to keep traffic safely moving in work zones, please partner with us because work zone safety is everyone’s business – slow down and stay alert. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone.
# # #