(May 15, 2015) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) began an $8.9 million project to resurface nearly four miles of MD 5 (Branch Avenue) between Clinton and Camp Springs, Prince George’s County.  Crews are currently working on northbound MD 5. The improvement project should be completed by late-fall 2015, weather permitting.

SHA will resurface both directions  of  MD 5 between MD 223 (Woodyard Road) and I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway).  Other work on the project includes:

• Upgrading guardrail;

• Replacing concrete curb and gutter; and

• Installing new pavement markings.

“This section of Branch Avenue was last resurfaced in 1999 and is in need of a new ride surface,” said SHA District Engineer Brian Young. “We are asking motorists to be extra vigilant and slow down through the work zone.”

Motorists should expect single lane closures weekdays and overnight Sunday through Thursday. SHA will use barrels and arrow boards to guide motorists the work zone. More than 100,000 vehicles per day travel along this section of Branch Avenue so motorists should allow extra time and use caution in the work zone. SHA’s contractor for the safety and resurfacing project is Bardon Inc.-Aggregate Industries of Greenbelt.

In addition to this project, drivers may also encounter mobile or short-term work zones.  Click here for a listing of major SHA projects in Maryland.  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.

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